Epix has finally launched. See post New Free Online Movie Service Epix Coming Soon

When it was announced four months ago the rumors were that it would be free. That was a silly assumption. The only free thing about Epix is the free weekend pass handed out to give US viewers a taster. The new premium movie channel and Website is hoping to attract viewers across both the online and offline divides.

So what is Epix? Well its a premium movie channel from Lionsgate, MGM, and Paramount which can be viewed on cable and, if you happen to be a Verizon FiOS subscriber, on the internet also.

Available to US viewers only just like good old Hulu, but completely different because you will need a cable subscription. Although rumors are that Hulu will soon go that way.

Streaming quality is said to be great on fast broadband receiving streams at 720p HD. On offer at present are around 300 movies on the website, including recent releases such as Iron Man, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Indiana Jones and The Temple of The Crystal Skull.

The video is offered through Flash and is multi bitrate enabled so the player looks at your available bandwidth every few seconds to see if a larger or smaller stream is required. Epix currently creates six different encodings of each film which range from full HD support all the way down to 500Kbps.

Although the service isnt free, amazingly you cannot even pay for Epixhd.com currently! It is currently in beta mode with invitation only access, there is also a sign up form on the site for admission over the next few weeks/months.

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