Epix Movie Channel Joint Venture Debuts Online

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on June 8, 2009 - 1:21pm.

Los Angeles - Epix, the movies-on-demand joint venture between Viacom (NYSE: VIA), Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate, debuted on Monday in a private beta version online, but has yet to announce any carriage deals with satellite or cable TV providers.

At launch, Epix is streaming around 100 films in high-definition format, and plans to add original series and other programs like live concerts and comedy, according to NewTeeVee.

PaidContent noted that Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said earlier this month that Epix will have carriage deals to bring its on-demand service to cable and satellite systems in place by October.

The channel aims to charge a low enough basic fee to become part of a subscriber's "basic cable" package, and additionally provide free access to its website.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/jqc8q (NewTeeVee)

http://snipurl.com/jqc9h (PaidContent)

http://snipurl.com/jqcm3 (DMW previous coverage)

http://beta.epixhd.com