Sony releases MTV programs for PSP
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 1/24/2008
JAN. 24 | 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. “We’re 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.
