Starz Vongo 2.0: Better Viewing, More Devices, Wireless Streaming
10 November 2007Starz Entertainment upgraded its Vongo online movie service at the end of October with enhancements meant to deliver a better user experience. The company also wants to make it more convenient for subscribers to use Vongo, both on the PC and on portable devices.
New features and functions in Vongo 2.0 include the ability to resize and pin the Vongo video player, which allows the viewer to watch a movie or concert while doing other tasks on the PC. There’s also an updated recommendation engine and an improved device management screen that makes it easier for users to swap out old registered devices with new ones. Subscribers can have up to three devices, including PCs and compatible portable media players, attached to a single $9.99-per-month account.
This easier device swap-out will likely come in handy now that Starz has certified a number of new portable media players to work with the Vongo service. Joining the previously certified Toshiba Gigabeat S and V series are the Archos 405 and 605 Wi-Fi and the Creative Zen, Zen Vision:M and Zen Vision W.
Additionally, consumers will be able to wirelessly stream their Vongo content from a Windows XP or Vista-based PC to a television set using an Xbox 360 as well as the new Extenders for Windows Media Center that are expected on the market in the near future. New products featuring the Extender for Windows Media Center technology will be available soon from companies such as D-Link, Cisco’s Linksys division and Niveus Media.
“Wireless connectivity is a recipe for success in bridging the gap from the PC to the TV,” said Bob Greene, executive VP of advanced services at Starz. “Since January, the Xbox 360 has ably provided a successful solution to get Vongo movies and videos to the TV. These recently announced devices illustrate new ways Extenders for Windows Media Center can wirelessly bring Vongo to the TV. With Vongo and Extenders for Windows Media Center, our subscribers are empowered with the ability to enjoy movies from their comfort of their sofas, while the movies are downloaded to the PC.”
The new Vongo 2.0 also uses less memory than the prior version, runs more quickly and taps less of the PC’s memory and core operating resources.
“Since Vongo’s inception, our goal has been consistently to provide an entertainment service and ecosystem that allows movie lovers to enjoy content on their terms,” said Greene. “We are listening continually to our passionate customer base. The top request voiced is the ability to watch our movies on the TV and the next request was more choices for portable devices. Vongo 2.0 and the associated support for all of these new devices addresses many of these needs.”
Vongo provides unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and 1,500 other video selections, as well as a live stream of the flagship Starz pay-TV channel for $9.99 a month. Customers can also rent individual titles on a pay-per-view basis for an additional fee.
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