A new service which streams video games over the internet in real-time is preparing to launch in America. OnLive, which has been in the development stage for the past seven years, has been designed to let players enjoy video games over a broadband connection, without the need for a games console.

While you can’t deny there has been a major shift in attitudes toward digital content, for example in the way we pay for, own and listen to music, a lot of people still like the physical aspect of owning a CD. You can’t hold an MP3 file in your hands, or thumb through the album cover notes. It’s the same with gaming.

This is only a minor point however. The real ace in the hole that today’s consoles have is their versatility. For example a PlayStation 3 is far from just a games console. While of course you can use it just for gaming, in reality it is so much more. Take out the game and insert a DVD if you’re in the mood for a movie. If you have a high-definition television, then why not make it a Blu-ray disc and watch the latest blockbuster in crystal clear colour.

If you haven’t got any new DVDs to watch then all you need to do is visit the PlayStation online store. Using a broadband connection you can download some of the latest blockbusters directly to your console. No need to step outside the house – or even get off the sofa!

Having a party? Then insert a CD to play, or upload your music collection to the PS3 and organise a playlist for the evening and let the television pump out your favourite tunes. If you need to get online, then use the PS3’s browser to surf the internet, watch YouTube videos or perhaps find out train times. Missed your favourite BBC television programme? All you need to do is click on the BBC iPlayer application and you’ll have programmes for the past 14 days at your fingertips.

The real beauty of games consoles today is that they are more like powerful media centres. It says everything that there are now people buying consoles despite having little or no interest in gaming.

You can search online to find the best deals on games consoles such as Sony’s PlayStation 3, the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 as well as big screen televisions such as LCD TVs to watch them on.