Nascent satellite service XStreamHD says it has signed a long-term agreement with Lionsgate to deliver full HD entertainment directly to the home. Lionsgate's stable includes a long list of movies, TV programming and other home entertainment. The company currently has 20 shows on television including "Mad Men," "Weeds" and "Nurse Jackie."
In addition to Lionsgate, notes XStreamHD spokesperson James Mahoney, "There are other, larger studios which we will be making announcements about in the coming weeks. We will also announce a relationship with a national installer."
The XStreamHD service plans to provide full 1080p HD video and up to 7.1 channels of lossless DTS-HD Master Audio™ directly to the home via satellite. The service will be available via electronic sell-through digitally with, Mahoney says, security standards exceeding the studios' requirements.
For those of you who have missed it, XStreamHD first popped up in early 2008 when it announced strategic partnerships with DTS, Inc. and Seagate Technology. Just two weeks ago, the company announced a distribution deal with EchoStar. The agreement gives XStream capacity on the EchoStar-leased AMC-16 satellite at 85ºW. Under the terms of the agreement, XStreamHD can increase its capacity as its needs grow.
As SkyREPORT noted at that time, XStreamHD equipment costs range from $399 to $699 plus a small dish. In addition, XStream lists a $9.95/month service fee for its"pre-fetched" entertainment. XStreamHD's entertainment library has yet to be posted but the service expects to be available commercially by the end of the summer.
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