Sony releases MTV programs for PSP
Sony Computer Entertainment America has licensed MTV
programming for viewing on the PlayStation Portable, which represents some of
the first new non-Sony product released for the PSP in some time.
Available at retail now on PSP's UMD software are volumes
of Beavis & Butt-head: The Mike Judge Collection, Jackass, Wildboyz,
Viva La Bam and Aeon Flux: The Complete Animated Collection. Each title is
priced at $14.99.
Shortly after PSP launched, most major studios were
offering up their films on UMD. But as UMD movie sales slowed, studios largely
stopped releasing new titles in the format, with the exception of Sony Pictures
Home Entertainment. Game titles for the PSP have proved relatively better
sellers than video content.
This MTV PSP offering marks the first partnership between
SCEA and a major TV content provider. SCEA promises to line up additional MTV
titles for UMD on an ongoing basis, but future titles were not specified.
"This collaboration with MTV is a key first step in
meeting the needs of our consumers who are utilizing PSP as a video player more
than ever and are thirsting for more content, particularly short-form videos,"
said Phil Rosenberg, senior VP of sales and business development at SCEA. "MTV's programming is hugely popular, and SCEA can utilize our internal
resources to appropriately manage the publishing and distribution of these hit
shows on UMD. This demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UMD video
format by delivering what consumers want to watch at the right price. SCEA will
continue to license movie, TV and other video content."
MTV is hoping to extend the fan base for its show
library.
"Our viewers consistently choose to experience our
programming on a number of platforms, and the PSP is a particularly well-loved device
among our audience," said Paul DeGooyer, senior VP of home entertainment, games
and music for MTV Networks' Music and Logo Group. "We¹re very pleased that PSP
users will be able to watch their favorite MTV shows when they are on the go."
To date, the North American PSP install base totals 10
million. During the holidays, reports Sony, 1.4 million additional units were
sold.
Source: Video Business