Ever since Microsoft launched their video download service for the Xbox 360, the internet has been rumbling with rumors that Sony would follow in the same direction and feature a similar service on the PlayStation 3. psava
After rampant speculation, Sony has subtly confirmed that they will have some form of this type of service available to PS3 owners in the future. Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing & the PLAYSTATION Network, confirmed this bit of news when addressing PlayStation Blog readers about the current state of the PLAYSTATION Network.
“Many of you have been hearing rumblings about a video service that will allow you to download full-length TV shows and movies via PLAYSTATION Network for North America. While I don’t have any new announcements here for the PlayStation Nation, it’s already been confirmed that we’ll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you’ve seen or used. 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 …” [PSU]

Dille also spoke on the issue of in-game XMB and an accomplishment system saying that Sony is hard at work on both these features and will have more details in the near future regarding both.
“We know you want in-game access to XMB features and we’re committed to bringing that, among other community-related services this year. They will be designed to allow more community development and collaborative gameplay, as well as recognize and reward you for your gameplay accomplishments across a broad portfolio of PS3 games. Of course, 2008 will also see the launch of PlayStation Home, and we’ll have more announcements on the expanding community functions within PLAYSTATION Network in the near future, so stay tuned.”
These moves are exciting, especially seeing as the PS3 is one of the more capable Blu-ray players on the market and already has a plethora of audio and video features that would bring a tear to most home theater enthusiast’s eyes. The addition of a video download service would just add to it. As for in-game XMB? Well what can be said? We are all waiting diligently for this feature to finally surface as well as an accomplishment system. We hope to be hearing about this soon and can’t wait to see what Sony may have in store for the PS3.