The PlayStation 3 began it’s life as the destination for entertainment content. Blu-ray was supposed to become the dominant format following DVD, and the PS3 was the only video game console to support the new medium. As it turned out, downloadable and streaming video became the destination for entertainment content, as services like Netflix, Hulu, and even traditionally broadcast-based networks like PBS and ESPN took to the internet. HBO Go has found its way to many devices, including the Xbox 360 (still no timetable for an Xbox One release), but had yet to make it to the PlayStation ecosystem–but that’s going to change very soon.

According to the PlayStation’s vice president of Business Development, Phil Rosenberg, the HBO Go app will be coming to PlayStation 3, with a PlayStation 4 app coming later. According to Rosenberg, the premium app will offer “unlimited, on-demand access to your favorite HBO shows, like Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire and True Detective” as well as movies, documentaries, and more. All to be expected, as is the fact that HBO Go on PS3 and PS4 will still require a subscription to the HBO premium channels through your local cable or satellite provider. Some things never change…

However, if you do happen to be a subscriber to DISH Network, you might find yourself able to double dip in the near future as well. At CES last week, DISH Network announced that the satellite company’s Hopper Whole-Home DVR app, the Virtual Joey, will be coming as an app to both PS3 and PS4 later this year also. Business Wire’s press release for these applications revealed that the Virtual Joey app will “provide access to and control of the Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR, including live TV, recordings and navigation of the electronic program guide.” In essence, the Virtual Joey–I don’t think I’ll get tired of using that term–turns your PlayStation console into another set-top box. As with the HBO Go app, no release date or window has been announced for the DISH Network app.

Andrew House revealed during Kaz Hirai’s keynote address at CES that Sony Network Entertainment will be exploring a live streaming television service through PlayStation and other Sony devices this year, similar to the PlayStation Now service. But until then, options like the DISH Virtual Joey and HBO Go certainly help to expand the entertainment offerings available to the PlayStation faithful. Be sure to check back with SonyRumors for all the latest on these and future apps coming to PlayStation.

Discuss:

What other entertainment applications would you like to see come to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 down the line?

[Via PlayStation Blog][Via Business Wire]