Pushing ahead on a key distribution deal announced about four months ago, PlayStation Vue said it has added programming from Disney and ESPN Media Networks, including ABC, in select markets where Sony is selling the OTT multichannel TV service.
Sony noted that ABC local stations will be added to all multichannel plans in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco starting today (March 2). Plans to add ABC video on-demand programming for Dallas and Miami will be announced at a later date, the company added.
PS Vue subs will also be able to apps from Disney and ESPN Media Networks (including WatchESPN, WATCH ABC, among others) using their PlayStation Network credentials.
Sony said the launch marks the first time Disney and ESPN networks are available on an OTT multichannel pay TV service with multiple streams coupled with a cloud DVR (PS Vue's cloud DVR lets subs save recorded shows for up to 28 days).
In tandem with the programming additions, Sony has also reduced the price on its multichannel TV plans by $10 for new and existing customers. Its entry level Access tier (60-plus channels) now sells for $39.99, while Core, which includes regional sports networks, fetches $44.99, and Elite (Access and Core, plus a mix of more sports channels as well as movie and entertainment networks) costs $54.99 per month.
Here’s PS Vue’s lineup mix for the Disney and ESPN Media Networks:
-Disney/ABC Television Group: ABC (Access), Disney Channel (Access), Disney Junior (Access), Disney XD (Access), Freeform (Access), Fusion (Elite) .
-ESPN: ESPN (Access), ESPN2 (Access), ESPNU (Core), ESPNEWS (Core), SEC Network (Core)
Sony launched PS Vue last March, but hasn’t announced how many subs are on its multichannel packages. The service’s multichannel pay TV packages are currently offered in Dallas-Fort Worth; Miami-Fort Lauderdale; Chicago; Philadelphia; Los Angeles; New York City; and San Francisco.
In addition to the PlayStation 3 and PS4 consoles, the service also supports the Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV box and Fire TV Stick, and via apps for iOS smartphones and tablets.
