Myspace launching over-the-top TV service with Panasonic

Social networking website Myspace is launching an over-the-top TV service and has teamed up with TV manufacturer Panasonic to distribute it via Panasonic Viera Connect TVs.

Myspace, which was sold by News Corp to Specific Media last year, said that initial channels on the Myspace TV service would be music-focused, based on its library of 100,000 music videos and 42 million tracks. Later, the service will expand to encompass movies, news, sports and reality channels and line-up of popular on-demand content, according to Specific Media.

Myspace will integrate the service with its social networking platform. A companion app will be available on tablets and smartphones, providing instant sync capabilities.

The service will launch in North America in the first half of this year on the Viera Connect platform, but Myspace will initially beta-trial the service to a select audience on laptop devices.

“Myspace was the first successful social network because it allowed individuals to share their interests, listen to music, express their creativity and connect around the things they love,” said Myspace CEO Tim Vanderhook. “Historically, TV has been a shared experience, as people gathered together to watch their favourite programs. Our belief was that we could enhance the TV experience by increasing viewers’ ability to connect to both content and each other. By partnering with Panasonic, we’re bringing together the content that people love and a social experience in one service: Myspace TV.”

Myspace co-owner Justin Timberlake said: “We’re ready to take television and entertainment to the next step by upgrading it to the social networking experience. Why text or email your friends to talk about your favourite programmes after they’ve aired when you could be sharing the experience with real-time interactivity from anywhere across the globe?”