EPIX Introduces First Interactive Social Viewing Experience of Feature-Length Films Through Partnership With ClipSync
Market Wire, December, 2009
EPIX, the next
generation premium entertainment service from Viacom, Paramount Pictures,
Lionsgate and MGM, has launched the first true Social TV platform that
makes TV viewing highly interactive at its website www.EpixHD.com . EPIX
developed the platform in partnership with ClipSync, using their technology
to deliver the first social viewing experience of feature-length films to
its subscribers. EPIX’s use of ClipSync’s Social TV platform delivers
interactive features to create a new movie viewing experience in a more
engaged, shared and fun environment.
Among the online features for EpixHD.com viewers is the ability to watch
films while chatting with others and engaging with the movies. In the
coming months, EpixHD.com viewers will also be able to launch live movie
groups and participate in special events with the films, which may feature
online interaction with the stars of the films.
ClipSync’s Social TV technology offers consumers true social interaction
centering upon engagement at the exact time users are watching video
content. Unlike traditional means of posting comments or engaging with
other users after viewing takes place, all interaction at EpixHD.com occurs
at the exact time the video content is being consumed.
“ClipSync is bridging the gap between TV viewing and the way people
socialize,” said Itzik Cohen, CEO, ClipSync. “In an era of immense online
socializing and connecting with others, we’re seamlessly fusing movie
viewing with the viewers’ online social interactions. EPIX is breaking new
ground by being the first to engage the feature-length film viewing
audience online in a dynamic and truly social manner.”
EPIX viewers can look forward to ongoing new and exclusive opportunities
over the next few months including the ability to utilize ClipSync’s
interactive Social TV technology to view live events and concerts,
director’s cuts, deleted scenes, special screenings, interviews with stars
and filmmakers, as well as movie premieres.
“EPIX was created to engage and entertain consumers as no service has done
before, and through ClipSync’s technologies, we’re moving one step closer
to realizing this entertainment revolution,” said Emil Rensing, chief
digital officer, EPIX. “The platform we have created with ClipSync helps us
empower viewers with greater participation in the overall entertainment
experience. It enhances programming by making it interactive and more
socially engaging by allowing our viewers to create, share, comment and
react to content while they are simultaneously watching the video. This
partnership is a key part of EPIX’s plan to embrace and lead the digital
generation in an new era of media consumption.”
In partnership with Adobe and Akamai, ClipSync’s implementation by EPIX
marks one of the first major production deployments of Flash Media Server
3.5’s dynamic streaming capabilities through the Akamai EdgePlatform.
ABOUT EPIX
EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc
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