New Bell Video Store offers the most download-to-own and rent movies and TV shows in Canada
First Canadian online service to offer new release movies for sale same day as retail
TORONTO, May 21st 2008 - Bell today announced the launch of the Bell Video Store, bell.ca/videostore, offering Canadians more than 1500 legally downloadable movies and television shows for purchase or rental. Bell is the first online service in Canada to offer download-to-own movies the same day they become available in retail stores and download-to-rent shortly thereafter.
"The Video Store is another first for Bell, offering 24/7 access to the most hit videos in Canada without ever having to leave the comfort and convenience of home," said Kevin Crull, President Bell Residential Services. "With the Bell Video Store, customers can easily enjoy their downloaded content on their PC, laptop, portable media player or TV using a Media Centre PC, networked X-Box 360 or Windows compatible digital media adapter."
The Bell Video Store offers online access to hit movies and hot new releases including Cloverfield, Into the Wild, Kite Runner and There Will Be Blood. Bell is partnering with world class technology providers and major Hollywood studios including Paramount Pictures, Corus Entertainment, Maple Pictures, Eros Entertainment and Image Entertainment to deliver the latest and greatest in digital entertainment.
"We are excited to be able to make Paramount's digital content available for the first time to Canadian residents through the Bell Video Store," states Thomas Lesinski, President Paramount Digital Entertainment. "Our properties combined with Bell's leading technology enables us to continue to entertain old and new audiences alike through emerging digital and portable platforms."
In addition to Hollywood features, Bell Video Store also offers access to classic TV shows, Bollywood movies and kids entertainment including Franklin, Rolie Polie Olie and Little Bear and music concerts from world class artists such as Cher, BB King and Neil Young.
"The Bell Video Store will also bring additional value to Bell digital TV subscribers," added Crull. "Bell will combine online distribution with its digital television platform to create new experiences for enjoying Bell's extensive content offerings."
Using the Bell Video Store media player on a PC or laptop, customers can start watching their video only a few moments after purchasing it, without having to wait for the entire file to download. Customers with a Media Centre PC will be able to use their remote to simply watch Bell Video Store content right on their TV.
With the Bell Video Store customers have the freedom to take their downloaded entertainment with them wherever they go. Bell Video Store content is also compatible with ARCHOS portable media players and accessible via the ARCHOS Content Portal, where consumers can access movies and TV shows without the need for a PC.
Customers have a variety of options for watching great content: download-to-own starting at $4.99, and download to rent starting at $1.99. With download-to-rent, customer can access their movie for 30 days after they download it, once they press play they have 24 hours to view the film as many times as they like.
The Bell Video Store uses technology developed by ExtendMedia, a provider of digital content services software. For more information on the Bell Video Store visit bell.ca/videostore or bell.ca/boutiquevideo.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers with solutions to all their communications needs, including telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed Internet, digital television and voice over IP. Bell also offers integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services to businesses and governments, and is the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to small and medium businesses (SMBs). Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.
About Paramount Digital Entertainment
Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, virtual worlds and emerging technologies.
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, DreamWorks, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
For media inquiries, please contact:
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Jason Laszlo Bell, Media Relations 416 581-3311 1 888 482-0809 jason.laszlo@bell.ca Jodi Lederman Paramount Digital Entertainment 310 887-0742 Jodi_lederman@paramount.com |
