Sony Vue streaming TV service launches on PlayStation in select markets, coming soon to iPad

The new Sony Vue service includes 53 channels for $50 per month, including broadcast networks CBS, Fox and NBC, as well as popular cable networks TNT, MTV, Nickelodeon, CNN, and Comedy Central. Stepping up to a $60 plan adds regional sports networks like YES, Comcast SportsNet Chicago and Philadelphia, and Big Ten, while expanded cable options like FXM and Sprout are available at the $70 tier.

Not participating in Sony Vue, however, are Disney's ABC and ESPN. Dish's competing $20-per-month Sling TV does include those networks.

Sony first announced Vue last November, debuting in a limited invite-only beta. Thursday's more formal launch brings it to PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 consoles in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, with more markets scheduled to come later this year.

Support for Apple's iPad with a dedicated app is also said to be coming soon, but Sony hasn't given a launch timeframe.

Vue features both live TV and cloud VR functions. The full lineup of channels is:

• CBS - At launch, PlayStation Vue will offer the CBS Television Network's live linear signal in its owned-and-operated markets. On-demand prime-time programming will be available as well.
• Discovery Communications - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Velocity and 11 more brands.
• Fox - Fox Networks Group's portfolio of national entertainment programming services, including - FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD. Additionally FOX Sports' national and regional programming services - FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, BTN, Fox's regional sports networks, including YES Network. Plus the live linear signals of the Fox owned and operated broadcast television stations.
• Fox News Network - Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.
• NBCUniversal - NBCUniversal's portfolio of national programming services - Bravo, Chiller, Cloo, CNBC, CNBC World, E!, Esquire, Golf Channel, MSNBC, NBCSN, NBC UNIVERSO, Oxygen, Sprout, Syfy, Universal HD and USA. Additionally, the agreement includes the NBC and Telemundo owned television stations, as well as multiple NBC Sports Regional Networks.
• Scripps Networks Interactive - HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network and Cooking Channel.
• Turner Broadcasting -TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, CNN, CNN en Espanol, Boomerang, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), HLN and truTV.
• Viacom - BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, TV Land, Spike, VH1 and more.
• AMC Networks - AMC, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv (available next month).

Vue is yet another option for so-called cable cutters, looking to gain access to live television broadcasts through providers other than traditional cable companies. Apple is said to be planning its own streaming service, which could launch as soon as September.

Apple's streaming service is rumored to cost between $30 and $40 per month, and the company is said to be in talks for deal with a number of major partners, including ABC, CBS, and Fox. Absent is said to be NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast, though the government could force Comcast to broker a deal.