Reports in the US say Sony has struck a preliminary deal with Viacom to carry its channels MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and others, on its planned pay-TV service, placing them ahead of mooted rival platforms from Google or Intel.

The Sony service will be offered over Sony devices such as its PlayStation gaming consoles and Sony TVs.  It is hoping to launch the service early next year. Neither company would comment on the talks.

Sony is also talking to Walt Disney, Time Warner and CBS. Channel owners have so far been reluctant to license  to Internet-TV services for fear of undercutting the lucrative arrangements they have with cable, satellite and phone companies. The Justice Department is investigating the restrictions in pay-TV contracts that may restrict competition.

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