'Hollywood Suite' to give Canadian service providers help fighting Netflix

A Canadian company is launching a new suite of channels that will give pay-TV operators in Canada a new weapon against Netflix and other over-the-top offerings.

Toronto-based "Hollywood Suite" will feature uncut and unedited high-definition movies for customers to rent on demand on their TVs, online and on mobile and portable devices through service providers.

"These channels are designed to meet the strong audience demand for movies across all platforms and support Canada's television service providers," said co-founder Jay Switzer. "With a number of leading financial backers including Alliance Films, and with studio support from Warner Bros., MGM and Alliance, as well as many Canadian producers, we know these channels will be exceptionally well received in Canada."

Hollywood Suite launched almost a year ago and has been in talks with carriers and service providers for months. Subscription pricing and packaging to be announced closer to launch, channel operators noted.

Netflix launched a streaming video service in Canada in September 2010, its first foray into international distribution, and already has more than a million subscribers there. The company said the launch was so successful it plans to launch in one or two more international markets this year.

For more:
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