Tata Sky launches pay-per-view service

Mumbai: Tata Sky, the 80: 20 satellite television joint venture between the Tata Group and Star, today announced the launch of Showcase, its dedicated pay-per-view movies service. Showcase will offer viewers access to the most recently launched Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters in the comfort of their own homes.

According to a press release, Showcase will launch with Taxi No. 9211, screening on multiple channels, offering subscribers a number of convenient viewing options. The original prints of all the films will be sourced directly from their producers and digital satellite television transmission will ensure DVD quality picture and CD quality sound throughout the movies. Just like the theatres, all movies will be screened without any ad breaks and priced at Rs75 per movie. Also, another advantage for subscribers is that they can chose to watch the movies at a convenient time, when they are free from household responsibilities.

"The launch of Showcase helps us propel our objective to provide our subscribers with maximum convenience." says Vikram Kaushik, managing director and CEO, Tata Sky Ltd. "The freedom to choose the time of viewing and the liberation from advertisements while watching one's favourite movies will be universally welcomed."

To purchase a movie, a subscriber will need to call the Tata Sky Helpline and make a request for the movie, indicating the desired time slot. Orders can be placed up to five minutes prior to the start of the film.

Tata Sky's satellite television service currently offers viewers 61 television channels including STAR, Sony, Discovery, Disney, MTV, NDTV, ESPN STAR Sports, National Geographic, Eenadu, TV Today, Asianet among others. In addition, the service offers a total of six interactive news, games amd sports services and an on-screen guide. The service is available at a special price of Rs200 per month, inclusive of all taxes.