Warning: getimagesize(http://www.adnews.com/images/33195.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/nas1r1/83/28/8202883/web/view.php on line 159
Warning: getimagesize(http://www.adnews.com/images/m33195.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /home/nas1r1/83/28/8202883/web/view.php on line 162
Rogers, Shaw ready new video-on-demand service
By Adnews Staff
This fall, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications will launch a joint venture called Shomi, a subscription-based video-on-demand service. Shomi will operate as a standalone entity with its own management. The service's streaming programming will be viewable on tablets, smartphones, computers, Xbox video game consoles and set-top boxes. Shomi will launch with a beta phase for Rogers and Shaw Internet and television customers in November.
Programming will consist of prior seasons of current television series, TV shows from the past, films and children's shows. At launch, the service will offer 11,000 hours of programming from 14,000 television episodes and 1,200 movies. According to the companies, recommended shows will be selected by a group of programmers and a computer algorithm.
"We've taken the time to talk with Canadians to find out what they want and to create an unbelievable user experience," said Keith Pelley, president of Rogers Media. "They told us loud and clear they want all the past seasons of the most popular, current TV shows and they want it to be easy. Shomi takes the guesswork out of finding what to watch, acting like a new-age video clerk serving up all the best content based on individual viewing habits."