Charter Communications (News - Alert), Inc., a provider of broadband communications solutions, has reportedly announced that it is going to introduce EPIX, a multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service to its customers in May. The media giant Viacom (News - Alert) Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. or ‘MGM’ and Lionsgate have partnered to form EPIX, an entertainment venture.

 

Terms of the agreement between Charter and EPIX have not been disclosed. Around 16 million homes will be able to access EPIX via the distribution partnership by May.

 

Through EPIX, the Charter customers can access the latest Hollywood movies, 15,000 films from three of the top motion picture libraries, cutting-edge original programming and special comedy and concert events. These movie and entertainment offerings include Star Trek and GI Joe, Paranormal Activity, Madea Goes to Jail and I Can Do Bad All by Myself by Tyler Perry, critically acclaimed Precious, Hot Tub Time Machine that is arriving soon, and music and comedy all-star specials like Madonna Sticky & Sweet: Live from Buenos Aires and Sam Kinison Back from Hell featuring Chris Rock, Denis Leary and Jay Leno.

 

Additionally, EPIX has plans to deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after Jan. 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after Jan. 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers.

 

According to Rich DiGeronimo, vice president of product management at Charter Communications, video consumption is evolving, and company’s customers want access to the best movies and entertainment, when they want it and on multiple platforms. DiGeronimo noted that Charter strives to continuously add more entertainment options and enhance the overall experience for its customers, and EPIX offers new content with convenience and control for them through a linear, on-demand and online total viewing experience.

 

Mark Greenberg, president of EPIX, said after the collaboration with a cable operator that has the reach of Charter significantly increases company’s national footprint and is an important step forward as it brings the EPIX multi-screen experience to the current audience and the next generation of viewers who will be watching entertainment on both television and emerging platforms.

 

Last October, Charter Communications introduced a new PowerBoost technology that temporarily increases Internet download speeds to enable faster downloads along with a more rapid page-loading process.