Skip to main content

Studios Get Into HD Movie Streaming with Epix

Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM have partnered together to create Epix, a new video streaming service that will offer high-definition streaming versions of Hollywood movies before they’re available on DVD. And although the service will be available for free, it won’t be open to the public in the way that Hulu or YouTube can be accessed by anyone: instead, the film companies are bundling up Epix as a value-add service for cable companies and ISPs as a way to attract and retain customers.

Currently in private beta, Epix will have two components: one will be as an add-on package for cable and home video services that is intended to be bundled into existing cable packages with no additional fee. Service subscribers would be able to access selected movies in the window between their theatrical release and their DVD release without paying any extra money; typically, movies are only available via cable in that window via pay-per-view and on-demand services.

However, Epix is taking the concept one step further and enabling home video service subscribers who also subscribe to Internet service from the same provider to stream those movies in high-definition (720p) format. Currently Epix is using a Flash-based player that dynamically scales the stream based on available bandwidth, so users can watch the high-definition version if they have a big enough pipe, or a lower bitrate version of a film if they’re on a more constrained connection.

Both the streaming service and the video-based versions of Epix films would be offered without advertisements.

Unlike services like Hulu and YouTube, the studios don’t plan to offer Epix directly to consumers; instead, Epix will be a closed-off product available only to the studios’ home video and broadband partners, who will in turn offer it to their customers. So far Epix has not laid out any partnerships, but likely candidates include cable operators like Comcast and Cablevision, as well as satellite operators and fiber-to-the-home services like AT&T’s Uverse and Verizon’s FiOS.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Get Beats Studio Buds for only $98 with this code
A woman listens to music on her Beats Studio Buds.

If you’re in the market for some headphone deals, you can get the Beats Studio Buds for just $98 today at SuperShop with the promo code DTBTSB. The super-popular wireless earbuds typically cost $119, which translates to a savings of $21 on a piece of tech that doesn’t often see a discount. Whether you’re looking for some new Beats to pair with your home theater or your mobile device, the Beats Studio Buds are among the best noise-cancelling options around, and this is one of the best Beats headphone deals you’ll come across.

Beats has become one of the premium headphone brands, and with the Beats Studio Buds, it’s produced a set of in-ear headphones that can compete with the Apple AirPods Pro. At the top of the feature set of the Beats Studio Buds is noise-cancellation, which is among the best you’ll find in an in-ear headphone option. Active Noise Cancelling blocks external noise for immersive listening, and you can easily switch to Transparency mode to hear the world around you. And while the Beats Studio Pro bring high-quality listening to both iOS and Android mobile devices, it also integrates well with Apple’s Siri for hands-free commands.

Read more
Watch Cruella: How to stream the movie on Disney+ NOW

If you've been itching to find out the origin story behind everyone's favorite dognapper, Cruella de Vil, then you're going to love Disney+'s latest release -- Cruella. It's available to stream right now which means this is the ideal time to sign up for Disney+ if you haven't already. The movie stars Emma Stone as Cruella as we find out all about how a humble aspiring fashion designer ends up becoming the evil Cruella. Read on to find out more about how to watch Cruella online.

Directed By: Craig Gillespie
Cast: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong, Paul Walter Hauser
Length: 134 minutes
How to watch Cruella online in the U.S.
Disney+ offers extensive streaming content via its service including all things Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars. It also has its Disney+ Premium Access service which means if you pay $30, you get to see a brand new movie at home on the same day as it's released at theaters. That's the plan for Cruella with a simultaneous release at theaters and Disney+. If you don't want to hit the big screen or you'd simply prefer to stay at home, it's a great way for the whole family to enjoy an exciting new movie.

Read more
The 10 best Valentine’s Day movies to stream
The Big Sick

For many people, Valentine's Day is going to be spent at home this year. Luckily, there's never been a better time to kick back and watch a romantic movie with (or without!) a loved one, with great options available for every streaming service. To help you find a great film to snuggle up with this Valentine's Day, we created a list of the best romantic movies available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max.
Need a little more romance?

Best romance movies on Netflix
Best romantic comedies on Netflix
Best rom-coms on Amazon Prime
How to watch Netflix together on Zoom
Most romantic video games
Best apps for couples

Read more