Los Angeles - Sony Computer Entertainment America (NYSE: SNE) on Wednesday announced the launch of its long-awaited movie and TV download service for the PlayStation 3 and PSP handheld in the U.S., which will initially offer around 300 films and 1,200 TV episodes in both standard and high-definition from partners including Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox (NYSE: NWS), Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount (NYSE: VIA), Warner Bros. (NYSE: TWX) and Disney (NYSE: DIS). Rentals on the PlayStation Network will cost between $2.99 and $5.99 for movies and $1.99 for TV episodes; purchased movies will cost from $9.99 to $14.99.

The company said it is using the open industry standard Marlin digital rights management system to protect against piracy, while allowing content to be shared amongst multiple PS3s and PSPs on a single account.

Sony also announced plans to release a new 80GB PlayStation 3, which will sell for $399 starting in September.

The company reiterated its projection that it will sell 10 million PlayStation 3s worldwide in its current fiscal year.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/2zoz9 (video service)

http://snipurl.com/2zp09 (80GB PS3)