Sony has reportedly reached a preliminary deal with Viacom to bring its cable channels to a new internet TV service its working to launch before the end of the year. According to The Wall Street Journal, the licensing deal would give Sony access to some of the most popular cable TV channels available — Comedy Central, MTV, BET, CMT, VH1, Nickelodeon, and Spike. Sony's planned service would pit the entertainment and consumer tech giant squarely against cable TV providers, as well Intel and Google, who are racing to build out internet TV services of their own.

A rival to cable TV, Intel, Google

Sony's plan is to offer an internet TV service that streams channels that are traditionally only available through cable and satellite TV providers, as well as on-demand shows and movies, the Journal report said. Sony currently offers some TV shows and films on-demand through its PlayStation gaming console. According to the report, the internet TV service could make its debut on a PlayStation — the new PlayStation 4 will be on sale before the end of the year — and the Sony's Bravia line of TVs. "People who have seen demonstrations" of Sony's TV service told the Journal that it will make recommendations based on what shows and movies subscribers have watched.

The two companies are in the process of finalizing terms on the licensing agreement, the Journal said, adding that the Sony is also negotiating with the Walt Disney Co., Time Warner Inc., and CBS Corp. — which along with Viacom make up the four largest media conglomerates in the world.