Sony hits a homer as MLB streams come to PlayStation 3

by Stevie Smith - Apr 22 2010, 12:06

The bold “It Only Does Everything” strap line attached to the PlayStation 3 (PS3) is about to take on even more weight following news that Sony is to bring live Major League Baseball (MLB) to its powerhouse home console.

The online content deal, which is an extension of the existing MLB.tv service, will enable new and existing subscribers to enjoy live games through their PlayStation 3 hardware – requiring only a simple MLB.tv app download from the official PlayStation Store.

Those PS3-equipped baseball fans not already subscribing to watch live online streams of their favourite teams will need to pay $99.95 USD per year for the basic service, or $119.95 USD for premium access.

Although every subscription level delivers live games in high definition and also archived games, paying the extra $20 USD per year for the MLB.tv premium service provides users with home and away broadcasts, control for pausing and rewinding the action, along with split-screen and multi-game viewing.

“It’s a pretty slick service,” enthused Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing for the PlayStation Network in a USA Today report. “You can watch MLB games now on your 12-inch computer monitor, but I would much rather put it on my Sony Bravia in my living room.”

Clearly keen to boost the PS3’s entertainment credentials yet further, Dille added that the console will soon broadcast its very own reality TV show (The Tester), and already provides access to 20,000 movies and television shows for rent or purchase, along with popular streaming service Netflix and its PlayStation Home community experience.

“This is one of the biggest deals we’re bringing to the PS3, and it won’t be the last one,” trumpeted Dille. “There’s lots of conversations going on.”

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