Sony adds online movies to PlayStation 3 consoles

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Sony on Tuesday added online movie sales and rentals to the repertoire of PlayStation 3 videogame console features.

And while remaining true to a vow to hold firm on prices of PS3 consoles, the Japanese electronics goliath said it will introduce a new model with 80 gigabytes of hard drive memory to replace its 40-gigabyte version.

The beefier memory model will have its leaner predecessor's price tag: 399 dollars (US).

Sony's movie and television sales and rental service went live Tuesday at the PlayStation Network which is accessible through the PS3.

The roster of show providers includes Fox, MGM, Disney, Paramount and Sony Pictures.

Television shows can be viewed for 1.99 dollars per episode and film rental prices range from 2.99 to 5.99 dollars, Sony executives said during a press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

PlayStation ...