According to the Los Angeles Times, hot on the heels of Microsoft’s announcement that it has partnered with Netflix to stream movies and television programs through its Xbox game console, Sony has announced that it has partnered with movie studios to provide a rental and download service through its PlayStation 3 console.

The report continues by saying that Sony has aligned directly with movie studios including MGM, 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Turner Entertainment, and naturally, Sony Pictures.

The Times goes on to say that unlike Microsoft’s service, the PlayStation 3 service does not operate on a subscription basis or provide streaming. Rather, notes the report, TV shows can be downloaded for $2 and up while movies can be rented for between $3 and $6 or downloaded for between $10 and $15.

The report notes that the service is now available at www.us.playstation.com/PS3/network.