Sony PlayStation 3 users will soon be able to download TV and high-definition movies that will rival the online service Microsoft currently offers Xbox 360 owners.

This latest initiative is expected to be announced during this week's E3 show in Santa Monica, but Sony has refused to offer further details until the system nears completion.

Xbox 360 owners can already access content from major media players including Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and CBS.