FRANKFURT: This is a move that should give a boost to video-on-demand (VOD) in Europe. MGM International Television Distribution, has agreed to supply European Internet Service Provider (ISP) T-Online International with theatrically released features for T-Online’s VOD service.
In India MGM has a 50:50 joint venture with Zee. The president of MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Griffiths said, “This landmark agreement speaks to the promising future of VOD worldwide. We are pleased to partner with T-Online, Germany’s largest Internet Service Provider. This groundbreaking delivery platform gives German consumers an entirely new way to watch their favorite MGM movies.”
Reports indicate that the ISP will provide a range of high-speed Internet and other services on TV to customers, using a set-top box called the ACTIVY Media Center. The ACTIVY, manufactured by Fujitsu Siemens Computers and available through consumer electronics stores, runs the T-Online Vision on TV, which will be launched by the end of the year.
MGM will supply the ACTIVY’s VOD service with films previously released in US and German theaters. Movies are downloaded and stored in a piracy-protected format on the ACTIVY until users pay to watch them on their TV set. The VOD service opens new sales opportunities for German fillm studios.
With the ACTIVY and the T-Online Vision on TV, users can access e-mail, news and information on entertainment, sports, movies, music and games through their TV. The ACTIVY also provides an electronic program guide and personal-video-recorder capabilities. A time-shifting function allows viewers to pause a live programme and then continue watching it later.
Tag: Jim Griffiths
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T-Online Intl signs VOD deal with MGM
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MGM, NBC extend global distribution alliance
CALIFORNIA: Underscoring the success of their alliance, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and NBC Enterprises have jointly announced that they have agreed to extend their international distribution agreement for an additional four years. Under the enhanced agreement, MGM will continue to provide distribution services for all NBC Studios programming across all territories outside of North America through the 2007-2008 television season.
MGM will continue to handle the international sales and distribution of all of NBC’s current and future programming, including this season’s critically acclaimed series Boomtown, American Dreams and Hidden Hills, as well as the forthcoming drama Kingpin, the current prime-time favourites Will & Grace ( airs in India on Zee English) and Crossing Jordan, and the hit daytime drama Passions. NBC Enterprises will continue to represent NBC News, NBC Sports, first-run syndicated programmes, latenight and formats.
President, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Griffiths said, “From the very beginning this alliance has successfully flourished, firing on all cylinders. Combining MGM’s renowned library and NBC’s premium-quality programming has allowed us to assemble an unparalleled collection of titles that broadcasters across the globe have openly embraced. Our efforts to further enhance this alliance are a testament to both companies’ unwavering commitment to the future as we continue to search for innovative ways to promote brand awareness.”
The US’s first broadcast network, NBC claims to have evolved into a diverse, international media company. In addition to the NBC Television Network and 14 television stations, the company owns CNBC, operates MSNBC in partnership with Microsoft, and maintains interests in a number of programming services. Its international holdings include CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia, which are services of NBC and Dow Jones, and an equity position in National Geographic Channels International.
MGM Worldwide Television Distribution handles global distribution of film and television product as well as co-productions for MGM Studios. Through this distribution unit, approximately 4,000 feature films and 10,100 television episodes are available to the global television market. In India the company has a 50:50 JV with Zee.