The PlayStation 3 gaming console is expected to allow users to download Sony movies and television shows through the console soon, says Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Phil Harrison, Sony's president of Worldwide Studios said the new feature will enable PS 3 owners to download all kinds of digital content to their console -- "not just games but movies, music, HD, standard definition TV."

Harrison said in a recent press interview the proposed service is very close to launching and with the built-in Blu-ray player and large hard drive, the PS 3 is ready to take full advantage of the service. It could become the main tool in the center of every home's entertainment system, he added.

The new service is intended at Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, which is capable of downloading video content using the Xbox Live video service. Observers say PS3 has an advantage with his relatively large hard drive, which will enable users to buy video content outright. Sony had built high-capacity hard drives into the PS3 right from start.

Harrison said Sony made a very conscious decision in putting a hard drive in every machine and the company sees the long term benefits of the hard drive.