tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2011:/1/tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950- 2011-08-16T16:22:55Z Comments for Epix Launches Premium Movie Channel for TV and the Web (Invites) Movable Type 4.35-en tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950 2009-10-30T04:01:00Z 2009-10-30T05:22:52Z Epix Launches Premium Movie Channel for TV and the Web (Invites) Almost every TV channel offers some programming on the Web these days. Epix, a new premium movie channel that will launch this weekend, goes a step further. If you are a Verizon FiOS subscriber, you will be able to watch the same movies that Epix shows on TV on the channel's Internet site. Epix is... Frederic Lardinois epix_logo_oct09.jpgAlmost every TV channel offers some programming on the Web these days. Epix, a new premium movie channel that will launch this weekend, goes a step further. If you are a Verizon FiOS subscriber, you will be able to watch the same movies that Epix shows on TV on the channel's Internet site. Epix is a joint venture between Viacom, MGM Studios and Lionsgate. If you are not a FiOS subscriber, you can still take a peek at the service. You can request a three-day pass here or read on for instructions on how to claim a 30-day pass.

]]> While only FiOS subscribers can currently access the programming on Epix's site, the channel's chief digital officer Emil Rensing today told us that the company is actively pursuing deals with other Internet and cable providers as well. The company, though, isn't ready to make any announcements about these partnerships, yet.

epix_movie_screen.jpg

We got a chance to test the web site over the last week and the site, which will feature an exclusive Madonna concert to celebrate the launch this weekend, feels very similar to Hulu - just with a different kind of content. It's completely Flash-based, so users won't have to install any new plugins to use the service. This, Emil Rensing stressed when we talked to him today, was done on purpose to make the user experience frictionless.

The quality of the videos on the site, which scales up to 720p HD depending on your connection's speed, is exceptionally good. A user needs to have at least a 500kbps connection, though this shouldn't be an issue for FiOS subscribers who are watching at home.

The site currently features about 300 movies, including relatively recent releases like Iron Man and the latest Indiana Jones movie. Rensing told us that he expects to be able to offer over 3000 movies by the end of next year. Because of Epix's close connection to various movie studies, the site will be able to feature movies about 9 months after their theatrical release. Most premium channels like HBO have to wait about a year before they can show a movie.

More Than Just Movies: Extras & Sharing

If Epix was only a premium movie channel on the web, it would be interesting in its own right. The site, however, also offers a number of interesting additional features.

epix_site.jpgEpix, for example, features DVD-like extras like interviews and behind-the-scenes specials for almost every movie. Right now, most of these are produced by the studios, but Epix will add more original programming over time.

Another feature is the sites 'watch with a friend' functionality. This allows users to watch a movie together with up to 5 friends, no matter if they are FiOS subscribers or not. The host remains in full control over the video playback and can start and stop the video at any time. As Rensing told us, Epix wants to recreate the feeling of inviting your friends over to your house, so it doesn't care if your friends subscribe to the same channels you do.

Get Your Invites (Even if You Don't Have FiOS)

If you are interested in giving Epix a try, you can request an invite for a three-day pass here. These will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Epix also provided us with 180 30-day VIP passes. If you want to claim one of these, you have to follow these instructions:

  • follow @epixHD on Twitter
  • tweet "@epixHD Experience Epix #readwriteweb"
]]> tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:304169 Comment from TVGeekRay on 2011-02-17 TVGeekRay I love the Epix channel! I get to see a ton of great movies on TV and the internet. FiOS isn't the only carrier who provides Epix. As a Dish Network employee I have been lucky enough to be able to enjoy all three Epix channels as well as the online content. Dish carries the most HD in the industry and its awesome getting the see the newer movies in HD on Epix!

]]> 2011-02-18T06:43:39Z tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:209772 Comment from Doug on 2010-05-07 Doug To whom it concerns,
How can you call your self a premium movie channel when
you show that you are going to show a movie that people
would enjoy, Just to have an on screen notice saying
weak signal or no signal and then show a movie that no-one
cares about and it play's with no problem at all.

Its to the point now that if I see a movie coming up that
I havent seen before or a movie that I would like to see
again I might as well not even bother tring to watch
because its going to say weak singal or no signal.

Its like saying to the new viewers don't bother to try
an watch what we say is going to play because we olny
play movies that no one cares about.

In my opion I think if your going to advertise a movie do
every thing you can to make sure its going to play an not
have the weak signal or no signal problems that only the
good movies have.

Thank You.

]]> 2010-05-07T15:57:24Z tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:177712 Comment from Watch Legion Online on 2010-01-02 Watch Legion Online It Was a Great Thing to do

]]> 2010-01-02T15:44:32Z tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:173734 Comment from kartę r4i on 2009-12-09 kartę r4i http://www.r4-nintendo-ds.pl Epix, has done a great job by airing the the movies and tv shows on its website. It is very helpful for people who are traveling.

]]> 2009-12-10T04:44:15Z tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:168961 Comment from Daniel on 2009-11-16 Daniel http://www.africantv24.com THE NEW ONLINE TV CHANNEL

AFRICA SPEAKS OUT: http://www.africantv24.com
Africa has 54 countries, each country has about 5 local TV stations broadcasting news, sport, music, local programs etc. all you hear when you are out of Africa is other peoples views. Skip the hearsay, visit http://www.africantv24.com watch African TV as it is broadcast. No middle men, no more 2nd hand news. Don’t be a third party listener, watch African TV live as its broadcast.

]]> 2009-11-16T18:18:27Z tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:166437 Comment from jyoseph on 2009-11-02 jyoseph http://jyoseph.com I was one of the lucky ones to try out this service and I have to say it's quite impressive.

I also watched Iron Man and was amazed at the quality, and the fact it played instantly.

Definitely a service to look out for. I think all they need to do now is beef up their library.

]]> 2009-11-02T17:27:33Z tag:www.readwriteweb.com,2009://1.16950-comment:166193 Comment from Lawrence @ CRB on 2009-10-31 Lawrence @ CRB http://www.creditrestorationbureau.com I spend quite a bit of time traveling but always have my laptop. I'll definitely have to check out this website. Thanks for the tip.

]]> 2009-10-31T21:39:42Z