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[acklame]

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=upsell_article&articleID=VR1117926554&categoryID=20&cs=1

HBO Video has become the latest supplier to commit to releasing programming in the PSP format, announcing Tuesday that it will put out six of its programs on the mini-disc platform for Sony's PlayStation Portable handheld videogame device.

That puts further pressure on Warner Home Video to follow suit. It is one of the only remaining major studios, along with DreamWorks, not to embrace the format. Now the pressure is coming from within, as sister companies New Line and HBO have joined the party. Warner distributes New Line and HBO programming.

HBO's first PSP titles on Sept. 13 will be "Da Ali G Show: Da Compleet Second Seazon," also making its DVD debut on that date, and with "Da Ali G Show: Da Compleet First Seazon."

Following in the fourth quarter will be "Entourage: The Complete First Season," "Todd McFarlane's Spawn 1," "Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker" and "Chris Rock: Never Scared."

...

Showtime Entertainment also has jumped into the PSP arena.

Four episodes each of TV series Free for All and Family Business will be included among PSP titles bowing Dec. 27 (prebook Nov. 27). A third title, the Ally Sheedy-starring film Shelter Island, also will be part of Showtime's launch. Each title is priced at $19.95.

Regarding its timing into the marketplace, Showtime senior VP program distribution Tony Lynn said, "It's now rather than six months ago, because we wanted to see if Sony can sell the hardware. It's taking root effectively."

Showtime projects that it should release about 10 to 15 PSP titles a year.

 

[DarienA]

"It's now rather than six months ago, because we wanted to see if Sony can sell the hardware. It's taking root effectively."

Most important part of that article IMO.

 

[AlphaSnake]

Whoah...full seaons on UMDs? Sweeeeeeeet.

 

[DarienA]

Warner doesn't want to cave because that would mean pretty much admitting that mini-DVD's failed....

 

[ManaByte]

Entourage is mine.

 

[The Faceless Master]

"Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker" and "Chris Rock: Never Scared."

funny, because those are the only ones i'm interested in, and i already encoded them for psp myself months ago

HBO should launch sex & the city umd's to coincode with whenever sony launches the white PSP in the USA

 

[SuperPac]

Do people really buy a lot of UMDs? Really? I mean, I bought one only because I was going on a loooong trip. But... why would I want something that I can't also play at home on a TV or something? If the PS3 had a UMD slot, THEN I could see it. But... already the PSP section at Best Buy is more movies than games, and it's kind of depressing.

 

[Fuzzy]

So when will Congress launch an investigation because people are watching movies/shows in public with swearing and nudity?

 

[DarienA]

Do people really buy a lot of UMDs? Really? I mean, I bought one only because I was going on a loooong trip. But... why would I want something that I can't also play at home on a TV or something? If the PS3 had a UMD slot, THEN I could see it. But... already the PSP section at Best Buy is more movies than games, and it's kind of depressing.

<struggles to hold tongue.....>

 

[acklame]

<struggles to hold tongue.....>

no umd thread is complete without the obligatory bitch and whine...

 

[Ninja Scooter]

i have a hard time believing they can do full seasons of stuff like Entourage on one UMD? Multiple UMDs? Man that could get expensive.

 

[FortNinety]

I'm assuming we'll never see stuff like Mr.s Show or Curb Your Enthusiasm on UMD's, right?