For a limited period, BRAVIA Internet Video Link owners will have the opportunity to watch the Sony Pictures summer hit, HANCOCK, prior to retail DVD and Blu-ray availability.
The movie, which can be rented for $9.99, will stream directly to BRAVIA televisions equipped with Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link for a 24-hour viewing period. This offer will be available beginning on October 28 and running through November 10.
As a bonus to consumers who purchase the rental stream and who register online, a free Blu-ray copy of HANCOCK will be mailed to consumers after the HANCOCK Blu-ray street date, November 25. This combo package is valued at nearly $70 ($29.99 for the stream and $39.95 for the Blu-ray).
This marks the first time a top grossing theatrical movie will reach consumers' homes via an Internet-enabled platform prior to the packaged media release. Sony Pictures is in discussions to offer a high-definition VOD motion picture day-and-date with its DVD release, with premium pricing, on BRAVIA Internet Video Link and other platforms.
Sony will offer three versions of HANCOCK including a high-definition stream (720p), and two standard definition streams (480p) with different encoding for lower bandwidth customers. The BRAVIA Internet Video Link service will automatically detect the customer's bandwidth and select the best stream for optimum performance. Once the customer clicks the "Buy Now" button in the BRAVIA Internet Video Link menu, the feature will immediately play.
The BRAVIA Internet Video Link Module, which attaches to the back of a compatible BRAVIA TV, streams on-demand entertainment including hit movies, televisions shows, YouTube videos, and a variety of other high-definition and standard-definition content not found on network or cable/satellite TV. The service connects to the Internet via an existing broadband Ethernet connection and streams content, much of which is available at no additional charge.
Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link Module is currently available for about $300 and can be purchased online at http://www.sonystyle.com/, Sony Style retail stores and Sony authorized retailers across the country.
