Sony Bets Big on Video Downloads
It’s an understatement to say the commercial viability of paid video downloads is a crapshoot, but that doesn’t stop new entrants from placing expensive bets, hoping that they will hit the jackpot. Apple (AAPL), Vuze, BitTorrent, Blockbuster, Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT) — these are some of the existing players that Sony (SNE), the newest entrant, will have to contend with in the near future.
Undaunted, Sony, under the aegis of its CEO & Chairman Howard Stringer, has developed a new strategy to revive its rapidly declining fortunes. The Wall Street Journal reports (citing unnamed sources) that the new video download strategy revolves around PlayStation, PlayStation Portable and other Sony brands, such as Bravia televisions. The news of such service had first surfaced in December 2006.
Given the mixed fortunes of the PlayStation 3 gaming console, it seems like a wishful thinking. Nevertheless, the company seems to be hopeful about its chances, thanks to new products like devices that allow users to download content to their Sony televisions. It also recently announced DVR functionality for its PS3 devices.
Sony’s new strategy is inspired by the Japanese giant’s fear of Apple, the company that has used the iPod to become the premier consumer electronics company, making Sony seem like a hausfrau. According to the BusinessWeek Top 100 Global Brands Survey, Apple is within striking distance of Sony, despite having a limited array of offerings. Both companies trail newer rivals like Samsung.
The Journal report doesn’t outline the intricacies of Sony’s strategy, though it seems the company is going to use a single DRM solution, possibly Windows Media. While that is a good move, it also leaves Sony playing in a highly commoditized market, and its best bet to make money from video downloading is by selling hardware. The recent fracas between NBC and Apple revealed how little money is there to be made in the video download business, especially if the seller doesn’t own the content.
Here Sony, which owns Hollywood studios, does have an advantage, but will that be enough? The big money, as Apple has shown, is in selling hardware. Sony finally announced last week it would start selling its first video Walkmans.
Despite its history of being a successful CE company, Sony will have to focus on making its products simpler for the new digital generation. Will it be able to? One thing is clear: Sony has its work cut out if it wants to make an impact in the business where no one, not even Apple, has any meaningful traction.
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[...] Om Malik writes: While that is a good move, it also leaves Sony playing in a highly commoditized market, and its best bet to make money from video downloading is by selling hardware. [...]
Zatz Not Funny!»Blog Archive » Massive Sony Video Download Service On The Way? on September 4th, 2007 at 5:23 am - Permalink
I actually think this is a good strategy for Sony. While Nintendo seemingly expands the gamer market, Sony appears to be trying to extend the PS3 as multimedia living room tech like originally planned; only this time, they’re upping the ante (think: new PS3 TiVo device).
Blake Snow on September 4th, 2007 at 8:42 am - Permalink
it will be a tough task for Sony to make its products as simple as Apple’s products. i take Apple over Sony
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bueller on September 4th, 2007 at 9:55 am - Permalink
I can see it now–movie downloads that only playback on a 1080p Sony Bravia.
Brian Andrews on September 4th, 2007 at 9:57 am - Permalink
Brian,
thanks for summing up my sentiments. I don’t think Sony is as consumer focused as it used to be. I think it is hard for them to go find traction in this highly crowded market.
Nevertheless, I am interested in knowing what they will do.
Om Malik on September 4th, 2007 at 5:45 pm - Permalink
[...] of Stuff Sep 7 Interesting ARG stats – numbers, lots of numbers. Sony Bets Big on Video Downloads- Sony can’t set itself straight. Are they going to encourage user engagement or lock it out [...]
Wero Notes » List of Stuff Sep 7 on September 7th, 2007 at 7:07 am - Permalink
Sounds like a great idea and makes sense. After all more and more people are downloading stuff online. Videos and audio make a great way for Sony to cashin with their existing list of products and licences.
David Reuben on November 21st, 2007 at 11:30 am - Permalink
Sony seriously needed a new way to make their PS3 more appealing. Given Nintendo’s commercial success with the Wii, it only makes sense for Sony to make a move like this to try to boost revenue.
trademark registration on December 8th, 2007 at 3:23 pm - Permalink
[...] will reportedly be able to download a host of HD offerings directly onto their PS3 hard drives (see our previous coverage). So now that both Sony and Microsoft are trying to provide video services to device owners, it [...]
Should Game Consoles Offer Video? « NewTeeVee on December 9th, 2007 at 12:00 am - Permalink
Very true article. thanks for this. You got my bookmark!
L.Avila on March 10th, 2008 at 9:41 pm - Permalink