Sony drops more hints about PS3 video service

Apple has its Apple TV, and the Xbox Video Marketplace has been around for nearly 18 months, but Sony and its PlayStation 3 have remained bafflingly behind the curve in terms of downloadable movies and TV episodes. That said, Sony execs promise to get with the program "very soon," according to a recent blog post.

Crave found this blog entry from Sony SVP Peter Dille, in which (several paragraphs down) he promises "we'll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you've seen or used," although he adds that he has no "new announcements" about said service.

Here's a little more from Dille: "Ultimately, the goal of the PlayStation Network service will be to break through the overwhelming clutter of digital media to give you the TV, movies and gaming content you want. More on this very soon..."

OK...so how exactly will Sony "separate" its video service from the likes of the Xbox Video Marketplace? Crave ticks off a few possibilities, including streaming videos via Netflix (rumors of which have been floating around for weeks) or even a deal with streaming video site Hulu.

Of course, Sony has already talked up the "virtual cinema" that will be part of its upcoming, "Second Life"-like PlayStation Home, and I'm guessing that'll be the twist. Will you be able to invite PS3 Home buddies to your virtual pad to watch trailers and downloaded movies? Or will we browse through a 3D lobby and click on movie posters?

What do you think—like the idea of watching downloaded movies PlayStation Home-style? Or would you rather watch and browse the old-fashioned way?

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Movies and TV shows coming to PS3? [Crave]