Sony Debuts 'Video On Demand powered by Qriocity™' in Japan

TOKYO, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity™” will become available in Japan on January 26 across Sony 2010 and 2011 network-enabled BRAVIA® TVs(1).

“Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” is a premium streaming video service, which allows users to choose from box office hits from NBC Universal International Television Distribution, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. In addition, Japanese studios will offer select animation titles with early window exclusivity, as well as popular movies.

Initially, hundreds of titles will be available with more films to be added on a regular basis. Rental prices for HD content will range from 500-1000 yen while those for SD content will range from 350-700 yen. In addition to Sony 2010 and 2011 network-enabled BRAVIA® TVs “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” will become available across a variety of Sony’s network-enabled devices.

“I’m very pleased to announce the start of “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” for Japan which marks the start of services powered by Qriocity in this market,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “‘Video On Demand powered by Qriocity’ enhances the value-proposition of hardware and offers a new way for customers to instantly enjoy the latest movies on their BRAVIA TVs.”

“Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” started in April 2010 and also became available in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. in November 2010. In addition, as the next extension of services ‘powered by Qriocity,’ “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity,” a new, cloud-based digital music service debuted in U.K. and Ireland in December 2010.

Qriocity is an entertainment network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Via Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music game applications, and e-books over time. Through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers.

Popular titles available on “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” (as of January 26) include “The Bourne Identity,” “Inception,” “The Last Airbender,” “PREDATORS,” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife.”

SOURCE Sony Corporation