Comcast, MGM Add ‘Impact’ Action Net On VOD
New Channel Launching On Top MSO Devoted To Action Genres
By Kent Gibbons -- Multichannel News, 8/12/2008 2:18:00 PM
Comcast and MGM this week are launching “Impact,” a new video-on-demand channel of action programming, they said today.
Many of the movies and TV shows on the channel, premiering on Comcast digital cable systems this week, will be available in high definition, MGM and Comcast said. It launched in Philadelphia and at least most of the MSO's systems yesterday. Most of the titles are free to digital cable customers but viewers could be directed to optional, pay titles in the action realm, as well, spokespeople said.
Within the first year, Impact will premiere such successful action films as movies from the James Bond series, Rocky, Magnificent Seven and RoboCop. Impact will also kick off its programming with MGM library films starring Chuck Norris, Sylvester Stallone and Charles Bronson. Also in the mix: Patrick Swayze's Roadhouse (pictured). An ongoing Impact feature will be programming themes created around popular action genres -- thrillers, crime, espionage, Westerns, war films and martial arts.
“The Comcast On Demand platform is the perfect environment for targeted marketable brands and programming,” Jim Packer, co-president of MGM Worldwide Television, said in a release. “With more than 1,000 titles in the MGM library that fit our new brand, I’m confident action fans will find Impact a one-stop destination for all of their action entertainment needs.”
“We’re excited to announce this partnership to launch an action-focused channel as movies are a very popular feature on VOD,” Matt Strauss, senior vice president of new media at Comcast Cable, added in the release. “MGM’s vast library will give action fans access to their favorite movies at anytime through On Demand, with many available in HD, further complementing our growing HD offering.”
Comcast is emphasizing expanded TV choices, including on demand, an initiative it calls “Project Infinity.” Comcast says it offers 10,000 VOD selections a month, including at least 500 in HD.
Comcast -- which owns a 20% equity stake in MGM -- also has an agreement to carry the MGM HD linear channel.
