The diversification of Sony's versatile handheld system continues apace this week, with news from that the manufacturer has launched a TV show 'rental' service for the handheld. The Portable TV service includes popular TV show episodes, videos, trailers and even films. The downloads can be accessed via the burgeoning Communication Network, with broadcasts costing between 100 and 300 Yen (0.50 GBP to 1.50 GBP approximately). New downloads are time limited, and will automatically self destruct after a two week period.

A few programs are already available via the new and ambitious service, which positively brims with potential, including the Gundam movies, comedy show ~giggle~, not to mention something about girls in bikinis, which doesn't sound too shabby. No doubt further programs will follow as Sony expand the service, which will also be a test case for the company's ambitions to make the PSP the ultimate entertainment centre.

If the services proves popular, then, I think it highly likely that a roll-out in other regions could be on the cards... though how long it would take to reach Europe, for example, is anyone's guess.

By Luke Guttridge