EPIX HD

 EPIX is a new movie channel with content from Paramount, Lionsgate, and MGM. You may not have heard of EPIX because at this point in time its only available on Verion's FiOS service on channel 895 in HD. Like other pay channels EPIX will cost you an additional monthly fee ($9.99 a month). Included in the $9.99 you get access to EPIX VOD library and their online service at EPIXHD.com. You can sign up for a free account which provides limited access to:

• Full access to the website
• Ability to watch all the extras videos
• Create a profile which will let you share your interests with other users and a feed to follow your recent activity on the site
• You can watch a movie in the private screening room when you're invited by a subscriber...
• Support for iPhone, Pre, Android, and Blackberry are in the works

Screening Room
EPIX has something called "The Screening Room". You can select a movie and watch with your friends.  You simply click the "Watch With Friends" button and you'll be provided with a link to give your friends. You can invite up to 4 people. Once they click on it, they’ll join you in a private screening room, and you’ll be able to play and pause the movie and if you want to talk to each othr, you can. Your friends do not need to be EPIX subscribers to join a private screening.

Movie Selection

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Duchess
• Everybody Wants To Be Italian
• The Love Guru
• Iron Man
• an a tons more! Please go to the site for the full list (EPIXHD).

There are also exclusives, interviews, and behind the scenes content available on demand.

On Demand Quality
The picture quality is quite good. We're not talking Blu Ray but certainly as good as most DVDs. Audio is only two channel surround. The movies I watched did stutter from time to time but it never got to the point where I became frustrated and had to turn off the movie. I have a very good Internet connection. You mileage will probably vary.

Conclusion

All in all, EPIXHD is a great free addition to their online pay service. If all pay channels did something like this there would be no need for Netflix. If its available on your TV service its worth signing up and taking it for a test drive

Comments

[Netflixwatcher]

You say there would be no need for netflix, but some of us like the extras on DVDs... Or heck, even captions/subtitles. Though my netflix is currently on hold since I TiVo far too much to watch already.