Starz To Launch Encore HD In July

Starz Tuesday announced Encore HD will become the company’s fifth channel available in high definition when it launches in July.

With more than 31 million subscribers, Encore HD will provide popular uncut, commercial-free new and recent movie hits in high definition, Starz Entertainment officials said.

Encore HD will provide both exclusive newer release movies and recent hit films in HD in 2008, including: Cars, Click, The Guardian, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Contact, Dances With Wolves, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Independence Day, The Mummy, Backdraft, and Remember The Titans.

“Consumer demand for HD movies, rising HDTV sales and continuing growth in Encore’s 30+ million subscriber base make Encore HD an ideal choice for our next new high definition offering,” Ed Huguez, executive vice president, sales and affiliate marketing for Starz Entertainment, said in a statement.

“Further, because Encore HD On Demand has proven to be one of the more popular offerings on the VOD platform in terms of usage, we expect strong interest from consumers and customers in this new channel,” he added. “Encore HD will be a ‘must have’ for those who love movies in HD.”

Encore HD will be made available in an East Coast feed for its cable, satellite and telco affiliates.

Upon launch, Starz Entertainment will be providing its affiliates with up to six high definition movie channels; Starz HD (East), Starz HD (West), Starz Comedy HD, Starz Edge HD, Starz Kids & Family HD, and Encore HD.