Premium movie network Starz has announced the STARZ Play online service has launched for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live. And, Starz execs promise support for Xbox One is a “top priority” for 2014. The application’s interface incorporates full voice and gesture support for Kinect, with access to about 1,500 movies and TV show titles.
STARZ Play is available as free download for Xbox Live Gold members. Of course, you’ll need a subscription to Starz channels through your TV service provider to authenticate.
Starz says applications are also in development to deliver programming from the network’s sister channels Encore and Movieplex. Starz Xbox 360 support is expected to launch for ENCORE Play and MOVIEPLEX Play by the end of the first half of 2014.
The 360 is the first gaming console to offer the internet-based service. Other devices the STARZ Play app supports (as well as ENCORE Play and MOVIEPLEX Play) include PCs and Macs, iPhone, iPad & iPod touch, select Android handsets and tablets, Kindle fire, Kindle Fire HD, NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, and Google Nexus 4, 7, and 10 models.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Starz announced that STARZ PLAY, the authenticated online TV Everywhere service for STARZ premium subscribers, has launched on Xbox Live for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and is in development for the new Xbox One. The launch marks the first video game and entertainment console deployment for the popular online service and the first extension directly to the television. STARZ PLAY is available now inthe United States as a free download for Xbox Live Gold members in the Xbox Store.
The company’s other authenticated online services, ENCORE PLAY and MOVIEPLEX PLAY, are also in development. Launches are expected in the first half of 2014 on the Xbox 360 and will be included as part of the company’s broader Xbox One development efforts.
“Teaming up with Xbox is an exciting new addition for STARZ PLAY. The Xbox 360 app launch today offers tens of millions of current and prospective STARZ subscribers an exciting way to enjoy premium STARZ exclusive movies and originals on the TV, and we pledge the incredible new Xbox One is a top priority for our 2014 development plans,” said Michael Thornton, Chief Revenue Officer of Starz. “With the dynamic STARZ PLAY Xbox user interface, which includes full voice and gesture support with Kinect, we have developed a tremendous new vehicle for subscribers to enjoy the unmatched STARZ premium TV experience on the television,”
Thornton continued, “The PLAY services have been well received and are in great demand from our key multichannel distributors, most having just launched in the past year. STARZ PLAY – with its terrific combination of exclusive premium movies and STARZ Original series offered on a wide range of devices and platforms at no additional charge – exemplifies the new ways we are adding value to the underlying premium STARZ subscription for the benefit of consumers and our distributors.”
Since launching in October 2012, the PLAY service device support has grown significantly and is now available on a wide array of platforms including PCs/Macs, and devices including iPhone, iPad & iPod touch and several Android handsets, tablets and other platforms including Kindle fire, Kindle Fire HD, NOOK HD, NOOK HD+ and select Google Nexus devices including the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. For a complete list of supported devices, please visit assets.starzplay.com/devices.
STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY offer robust online monthly access to approximately 1,500 of the premier movies, originals, and additional TV episodes from the respective Starz premium services. Provided at no additional monthly charge, the three authenticated online PLAY services provide a suite of easy-to-use, online viewing options for STARZ, ENCORE, and MOVIEPLEX subscribers to enjoy the quality original programming and commercial-free movies offered on the respective STARZ, ENCORE, and MOVIEPLEX services.
STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY and MOVIEPLEX PLAY are accessible through 3G/4G cellular, Wi-Fi, and broadband connections. The PLAY services have a recommended minimum required bandwidth of 1Mbps, and a minimum 2.5Mbps for an optimal viewing experience. The STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY PC/Mac® interfaces are available atwww.starzplay.com, www.encoreplay.com, and www.movieplexplay.com respectively.
