Starz to Offer Video Via the Web

Starz Entertainment Group on Tuesday began offering movies and other video content over the Internet through a new service called Vongo.

Announced just two days before the massive International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicks off in Las Vegas, Vongo will give subscribers unlimited access to more than 1000 movies and video selections, as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel, for a monthly cost of $9.99, according to the company.

Vongo members may download movie and video selections to three eligible devices of their choice per account. Additionally, select pay-per-view titles are available for $3.99 per movie.

Starz also is announcing two partnerships with consumer technology companies to help power the service. Microsoft is working with Starz to ensure that digital content can be viewed on Windows-based PCs, laptops, and portable media devices, the company said.

Sony Connect will include Vongo in its new Connect Video service, which will be launched later this year.

Starz plans to unveil more Vongo partnerships in the future, the company said.

Going Portable

Portable gadgets for playing video, music, and other digital media content are expected to be on broad display at CES this year. The annual show brings together more than 100,000 attendees and 300 companies to show off the latest and greatest in consumer digital wares.

Vongo is currently available in beta testing for U.S. broadband subscribers at Vongo.com. Starz will present the service at CES this week, as well as at the Digital Media Experience event at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

For more CES coverage, head to PC World's CES InfoCenter.