Novato, Calif. — Sonic Solutions and Zip.ca have teamed up to provide Roxio CinemaNow digital movie downloads to Canadian consumers, the companies said Thursday.
As part of the alliance, Zip.ca will introduce a digital movie service powered by Roxio CinemaNow, offering movies and TV episodes that can be downloaded and played back on PCs, as well as a range of other electronics devices that will have the download capability embedded in them.
The new movie delivery component will enhance the Zip.ca subscription service, which currently offers Canadians a Netflix-like rental model, with access to more than 72,000 DVD titles via mail.
Through the deal, Roxio CinemaNow will gain a strong foothold in the Canadian marketplace and the ability to offer CE device partners a multi-region solution, Sonic Solutions said.
“Our collaboration with Sonic will allow Zip.ca to provide subscribers a new, flexible way to digitally access high-quality entertainment in addition to the full catalog we currently offer by mail,” stated Curt Millar, CEO, Zip.ca. “We are already Canada’s leading DVD rental service. Now we hope to fuel membership and growth by becoming consumers’ destination for seamless digital movie access — a one-stop Entertainment shop.”
The companies said they are currently collaborating with content owners to build an entertainment library that will expand over time and include new releases, catalog movies and TV shows.
Zip.ca said it is exploring a number of models for its digital service including al a carte rentals and purchases as well as subscription-based options.
“We look forward to a strong partnership with Zip.ca and introducing Canadian consumers to the convenience, instant gratification and flexibility of digital entertainment from Roxio CinemaNow,” stated Mark Ely, Sonic Solutions strategy executive VP. “Entering new markets is another part of our strategy to make anytime, anywhere access to a broad variety of premium entertainment a reality for more consumers. Zip.ca’s reach and leadership in the market will help make this happen in a more timely fashion.”
