Sony Computer Entertainment will today launch VidZone TV offering in excess of 100 pre-programmed music channels for PS3 users.

Since its launch last summer, the free music service has supplied over 350 million music videos and gained around three million subscribers.

From 3pm today, VidZone TV will officially launch to enable users to access a portfolio of music channels, editorially selected to individual themes.

On the channels, users will be able to watch new and library music videos, along with artist interviews and behind-the-scenes programming.

The service is also aimed at anyone not keen on building their own playlist, with search categories available for specific artists or music genres, along with tracks grouped by year, label or generalist categories, such as 'party tunes' and 'karaoke favourites'.

In a planned upgrade, VidZone will also get a new main menu carousel offering easier access to its TV channels, featured videos and music on-demand sections.

VidZone Digital Media founder and director of content Louisa Jackson described VidZone TV as a "definitive example of how IPTV should work".

"With high production content delivered to the biggest screen in your house, VidZone offers new and unlimited linear music channels and choice with all the benefits of interactivity," she said.

"From tested favourites to taking a chance on something new, VidZone now has everything from Chart TV, world exclusives, premieres of music videos to artist interviews, behind the scenes and music sessions, all of which is free to the consumer."

VidZone European marketing manager Isabelle Tomatis added: "The launch of VidZone TV brings our fans even more ways to enjoy music TV with PS3. VidZone gives you all the options to put you in complete control of your music.

"And with Blu-ray movies, PlayStation Network Video delivery service, PlayTV, games and the internet, VidZone is just one more reason to make PS3 your centre for enjoyable home entertainment."

PS3 users can access Vidzone by downloading an application from the PlayStation Store, with the service offering live and on-demand access to over 20,000 music videos from artists on major and independent labels.

The service is expected to reach the USA in 2010

 http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a215938/sony-launches-vidzone-tv-on-ps3.html http://twitter.com/vidzone/status/12568884160

UPDATE

Vidzone have just fired us over the PR and some further details regarding the new VidZone TV update.

We are told that the service will be launching with 14 rock TV Channels on PS3 today and over 100 music channels in total.

Here are just some of the channels available:

  • 21st Century Rock TV
  • Brit Pop TV
  • Dave Grohl & Friends TV
  • Hard Rock TV
  • Indie Hits TV
  • Kings Of Leon & Friends TV
  • Korn & Friends TV
  • Metal Mania TV
  • Metalblade Records TV
  • Rock Legends TV
  • The Offspring & Friends TV
  • Trust Kill Records TV
  • Underground Acts TV
  • Warp Records TV

We have also been told of some of the main feature of the new service such as:

  • New main menu carousel – new look carousel screen for selecting links to VidZone: TV, Featured, On Demand, Settings and upcoming other new features
  • Search function is improved – perform ‘like’ searches – e.g. “Kill” for Killers
  • In-store game purchasing – purchase PlayStation Store games and content advertised in VidZone without exiting the VidZone application.
  • Full screen experience enhanced – see what video is coming up next. There is also a key for all functions and ticker bar.
  • Video of The Day TV – The music industry is helping us offer one ultimate video of the day, every day immediately upon opening the application.
  • Email settings – It’s now possible to sign up or unsubscribe to emails in Settings > Help menu. If you want to receive updates or competitions from VidZone you need to be registered by email