Starz Entertainment announced the launch of Starz Play and Encore Play, new online services for the premium movie (and original content) channels. The announcement comes with a partnership from Cox Communications, which will be the first provider to offer the service.
The services are offered free of charge to subscribers of the TV versions of the channels. The online coutnerparts offer unlimited streaming access to various movies and original programming.
Mobile apps are now available for iOS devices. The Android apps are coming soon, Starz says. There are also web versions of the services at StarzPlay.com and EncorePlay.com.
“We are very pleased to partner with Cox in launching the Starz Play and Encore Play suite of authenticated online products that we believe will bring tremendous value to our premium subscribers,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. “Starz and Encore have long been pioneers in the deployment of advanced services, being the first premium networks to offer authenticated access to our programing through distributors’ online platforms. Now, from big screens to mobile devices, a deep collection of movies and original programming from Starz and Encore provides a winning combination for both our distributors and customers.”
The new online experiences are available to Cox customers in the U.S. starting today. Starz does expect to launch Movieplex and Movieplex Play with Cox and to announce additional launch agreements with its distribution partners in the future.
According to Starz, Starz and Encore are the most popular pair of flagship premium services in the U.S. with 54.9 million combined subscriptions.
