We take the brand spankin' new PS Store video service for a spin
by Alan Tsang 
{ Jul 16th 2008 at 6:20AM }
We tried a both a SD and HD download, as well as watched a video on the PSP. We also played with different options, and even took a note of download and transfer speeds. Hopefully this will help out you guys who are on the fence about all of this.
So what cha' waiting for? Took a look here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
tristan88 @ Jul 16th 2008 6:31AM
i figured when they said the us they meant north america like usual but i was wrong. canada gets left out again. i was pretty excited about this too.
Catdogburger @ Jul 16th 2008 7:45AM
PS3Fanboy didn't want to post it up, but i started a petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/ps3video/petition.html
with everybody's help mabey we can get it in Canada.
OddyOh @ Jul 16th 2008 8:28AM
Catdogburger...might be more effective if you'd spelled "service" correctly...
DrXym @ Jul 16th 2008 11:12AM
A petition will achieve precisely zero effect. Movie download services are traditionally bogged down in horrific contractual details. Its probably hard enough to sort it out in the US, let alone anywhere else. Eventually it may appear but a petition won't make the slightest difference one way or another.
Kspraydad @ Jul 16th 2008 7:35PM
Distribution of movies and tv in Canada is handled through distributors and not the studios.
Every digital distrib service takes awhile to come to Canada after launch in US ... see LIVE and iTunes. Ultimately the content will be different too.
Lobbying SONY will have no effect, I'm sure they are trying.
Lobby your Canadian distributors such as http://www.alliancefilms.com/en/36/ or http://www.cmpda.ca/jsp/members.jsp to get off their asses.
Eggy @ Jul 16th 2008 6:35AM
Yeah I hate those licenses and copyrights stuff. We get everything much later in Europe. An they still find it strange people download TV series from the interwebz.
The Aggie CEO @ Jul 16th 2008 6:42AM
not that I can see myself PAYING for anything on there as of yet, since I have just about EVERYTHING up there either in my DVD/Blu-ray collection already OR on my PC via other means.......and hence can put it on my PSP........
but what I'm curious about is how long are the rentals??
OAKside @ Jul 16th 2008 7:10AM
I've heard they're 14 day rentals or 24 HOURS after first play. (That last part's ridiculous at those prices.)
For me, Netflix/BB are simply unbeatable so I'd only buy (never rent) online in the rarest of circumstances. Like if I was just checking out tech/quality (yup), had cash to burn (right!) ... or was really, really bored (nope).
The Aggie CEO @ Jul 16th 2008 10:11AM
oh ok thanks.........
I use netflix too, thats why I'm hoping that we STILL get netflix on the PS3.........because what dude said during the M$ conference was that "the 360 is the only console you could access netflix on for no extra cost"......which makes me think back to the survey netflix had that asked "would you be willing to pay a minimal one-time fee to stream netflix content to your system"
so if I gotta pay around $20 for a disc with the install program on it or sumin I'd do it.......especially with them adding HD movies soon.....it'd be worth it
sibbor @ Jul 16th 2008 7:05AM
Is the video store up in EU? I'll try to grab a HD format vid and play it on my projecktor, producing a nice 104" picture when I get home. Sounds like a lot of fun, even though I can go rent Bluray and DVD vids 2 mins away from my house =p
Seems you downloaded the first movie at aprox. 700 kb/s, which is a decent speed. Seems like Sony capped us there, because I haven't downloaded any demo at fast speed, even with 100 Mbit Internet connection (I seem to get around 60 Mbit dl speed from other servers around the web).
Keep up the great work Sony! Love you ;)!!
Seb @ Jul 16th 2008 6:52AM
Why was the SD m ovie just in stereo, no 5.1? I hope they deliver every movie in 5.1
The_Doctor @ Jul 16th 2008 6:59AM
That might have something to do with the settings they're using with their set up. I believe its going through HDMI and they're just using the TV speakers as opposed to a 5.1 sound system. Is that right Alan, or am I just making stuff up?
Espiox @ Jul 16th 2008 6:56AM
Wonder why you can only use the search tool for Video content. It's the same on PC... bizarre.
argrgerg @ Jul 16th 2008 6:59AM
is it available in other regions
bob @ Jul 16th 2008 7:05AM
when will this damn service arrive in europe, 2010-11?...:-(
I bet we will be asked to pay £2.99 for rentals, which converted into dollars would mean that european ps3 owners will be paying nearly twice as much as americans!
And its propbably not worth asking whether there will be content (when video downloads will be available on both sides) realeased at the same time as the american store? europeans will probably get e.g. heroes season 3, 2 years after it has aired and been available for download on ps store (if it is) for two years!
I think most people will stick to illegal downloads....
Topsu @ Jul 16th 2008 7:14AM
That looked a million times better than I thought it would.
Hoping it'll come to Europe in decent time. Sorry, if my English is bad, I'm from Finland. Yay
YAFB @ Jul 17th 2008 10:29AM
Agree with bob... Just rediculous how long we have to wait for the same content here in europe (Echochrome e.g)
Topsu @ Jul 16th 2008 7:16AM
The movie selection, even now in the beginning is great.
Tuds @ Jul 16th 2008 7:36AM
Its a shame that we'll have to pay for them, the xbox Live Netflix alternative would seem better.
Not that I can even use the PS3 version yet, with me being at a disability just by living in Europe.
Bob @ Jul 16th 2008 8:01AM
Xbox is paying for it... they pay xbox live. in the long run it might be a little cheaper for them if they rent movies on a regular basis, but if they are like me and only rent occasionally it comes out about the same.
Tuds @ Jul 16th 2008 8:07AM
Apparently they can find the subscriptions for xbox Live pretty cheap from certain sellers. The fact that I would have had to worry about network subscriptions with xbox Live was what mainly decided for me to go with PS3.
I don't really ever rent dvd's either, but it would be nice to have access to a list of free content that's also good qualty, I'm sure then I'd be watching a lot more movies.
I can't be too negative though, at least we do have an alternative.
warlock7 @ Jul 16th 2008 8:13AM
@Tuds;
Nothing is free. If you have a Netflix account, which you pay for, and XBox LIVE, which you also pay for, then you can use their service.
Most people using Netflix are benefitting because they can copy the media and have a permanent copy when they are renting. Not true with the 360 service.
Tuds @ Jul 16th 2008 8:20AM
I see, that's cool, I guess I feel a bit better about the situation now. A little off topic but all I'm gonna say is Playstation Home looks like its gonna walk all over Xbox Lives avatar setup.
I never really thought I would be such a fanboy for PS3, I used to put it down.
Kspraydad @ Jul 16th 2008 11:44AM
You have to be a paying subscriber to Netflix...you are not magically getting films for free. Netfilx's on demand films are also not first run...
Sony's service is comparable to Live Marketplace...Netflix is a niche add on.
GRT @ Jul 16th 2008 3:39PM
And you have to pay for your monthly Netflix subscription, too.
MikeGold @ Jul 16th 2008 7:56AM
If I'll setup proxy for US and my US account on European PS3 it should work... anyone checked that already?
Sam Barriscale @ Jul 16th 2008 10:06AM
Logged in on my US account, but it won't let me enter the video section.
Come on Sony...your gaming line up sucks ass, at least let me in to the store...
warlock7 @ Jul 16th 2008 8:08AM
They need to have more consistent availability of HD content. Is the SD content 16x9?
Matt @ Jul 16th 2008 8:13AM
Post that link on Scrawl and they'll probably put up the petition link--I've seen a bunch of petitions listed there.
Now they just need to move the theatrical trailers from the Game store to the Video store...
Sora57 @ Jul 16th 2008 8:14AM
I thought Xbox allows you to download movies without a subscription fee, as long as you have a netflix account. Other content and on-line play you need a silver or gold account, but I think you can access movies without subscription (except for a Netflix subscription!)
Correct me if wrong.
adolson @ Jul 16th 2008 9:29AM
You are wrong.
The Aggie CEO @ Jul 16th 2008 10:14AM
nah dude..........
you need a Live GOLD subscription to get the Netflix.........as WELL as a netflix subscription........
GRT @ Jul 16th 2008 3:43PM
And the movie will be SD and in stereo only. And the choices are pretty limited. Although you can watch the entire Leave it to Beaver series (no, I'm not kidding).
warlock7 @ Jul 16th 2008 8:15AM
Has anybody tried downloading a film yet? Are they using any sort of copy protection? None of the videos you get through the store are protected files, so you can just load them on a thumbdrive and go on your merry way.
The Aggie CEO @ Jul 16th 2008 10:13AM
they are DRm'ed
Kspraydad @ Jul 16th 2008 11:50AM
They are locked down to your machine (and authorized PSPs) AND your PSN. If you change drives or if you send in your PS3 for service you screwed (acording to the TOS).
I'll only be renting due to this (when it is released in Canada).
What you 'could' do is dl to your PSP and use the video out to record out signal. There is no DRM protection when using component cables.
Yong @ Jul 16th 2008 8:22AM
The ps3 video service is priced better than microsoft. Microsoft charges 4 dollar (280 points) and 6 dollars for 720p movies (480 points) and 2 dollar to rent tv shows.
Albanian_Killa @ Jul 16th 2008 10:06AM
I'm so pissed Canada doesn't get it. Shit, I guess I have to do it the old-fashioned way and go to BlockBuster...
chimaera9 @ Jul 16th 2008 8:45AM
I am very impressed with it already, though it could use a few small improvements. The "Rental" section needs to have a section for new releases that can be browsed visually. Maybe having a little symbol over those that are rent-able in the normal section would improve things, too. Also, when looking at a movie and seeing the short description, they should also include the running time. It appears after you've virtually committed to a purchase.
Downloading a movie gives you 14 days to watch it, but once you've played it, you have only 24 hours from that point before it is no longer watchable. (Someone asked earlier)
Great service already, Sony! I've been waiting for this for a long time!
Dirt @ Jul 16th 2008 9:04AM
I just looked at the notice before the purchase...........24hours only within a 14day window.........averaging an $2~5.99 or maybe more later on cost.
Everybody... This..... Truly.... BLOWs!!!
Why the hell are you "allowed" ONE day within the FOURTEEN days of rent for something!?! At least Blockbuster gives you a few more days (haven't been there since I went all Netflix) to keep it for about the same cost there.
Fun to see what's coming out is all this "new" addition is all for myself until they correct this FUBAR.
josh @ Jul 16th 2008 10:00AM
"Why the hell are you "allowed" ONE day within the FOURTEEN days of rent for something!?!"
Because this is the agreement that Sony was able to work out with the studios and it's essentially the same agreement that Microsoft already has in place on the Xbox.
You're forgetting that the studios can essentially dictate the terms because they are the content providers. It's not an ideal situation but do you really watch a rental... then go back and watch it again... and again... and again... then return it?
derek @ Jul 16th 2008 8:59AM
anyone know if the movies are direct to psp or do you need to actually hook up the psp to the ps3 and transfer the movies? to watch them
The Aggie CEO @ Jul 16th 2008 10:16AM
they said U would be able to get the movies from the PC version of the PS Store.........but I dont remember if you could do that now or this fall when that "Universal login" stuff starts.......
Kspraydad @ Jul 16th 2008 11:53AM
You can go direct from PC to PSP BUT your ability to share on other devices is less than if you went PS3 to PSP first.
adolson @ Jul 16th 2008 9:31AM
So the most exciting announcement of E3 was this service (only because it was launching immediately), and they didn't both to preface it with "only in the USA" so that everyone else didn't expect to see it last night. Sucks...
Tanya @ Jul 16th 2008 10:24AM
I picked up a Metaloclypse video last night...I really like the service. I'll be interested in seeing new content being put up every week. It's a convenient service for me when there are movies I don't want to buy a physical disc to see it, I don't use Blockbuster anymore, and I'm not that big of a user of 'on demand' from my cable company. I'll definitely be using this service.
John S @ Jul 16th 2008 10:45AM
Reading through the comments, people really need to read the article. Questions that were asked are answered during the runthrough by ps3fanboy.
I wanted to make a purchase but I couldn't find anything that I wanted to buy. I wonder how often they will update the video store?
Dan Davis @ Jul 16th 2008 12:09PM
How big is an SD file when transferred to a PSP?
I would love to have a memory stick with nothing but movies on it!
Michael @ Jul 16th 2008 2:23PM
didn't look at the demonstration at all did u? 1.5-2.0 GB for SD
Lars @ Jul 16th 2008 5:30PM
Michael, you didn't read his question completely, did you? He said SD, not HD.
To answer, it should be about the same size for SD or HD since it's converted to PSP resolution. The size will vary quite a bit though, based on how much can be compressed and the length.