Table Of Content
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epix.com
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Diversifying is the key to sustainability
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Viewers don?t mind paying the direct source
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History
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Design
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Epix
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Epix Now
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Content
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Premiere content makes it worth it
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Slight hiccup can leave a sour taste
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Desktop/Mobile experience
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Watch with Friends
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How does that work?
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Plans & Pricing
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Suggestions I have for EPIX
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Conclusion
epix.com
Cord-cutting fever is on the rise, caused by the increasing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These services lead the digital streaming charts, while HBO and Hulu are following suit. Traditional TV networks are noticing this trend and are vying for a piece of the cord-cutting pie by creating their own streaming platforms. This influx of new channels is causing developers to reevaluate their strategies when it comes to developing content for digital platforms.
EPIX - a premium television channel that is owned by MGM, is the latest to enter the digital fray with EPIX NOW. The service already has its set-top box and mobile apps, however, with EPIX NOW, it is making the majority of its content and Live TV available online through a subscription-based model.
Diversifying is the key to sustainability
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer believes that Epix Now is a crucial platform that can help expand its reach to a young audience who prefers streaming services over traditional television or satellite connection. Epix which is itself a premium service was only previously available as either cable or satellite upgrade, but now has its own online presence and is often bundled with other streaming TV platforms such as PlayStation Vue to Sling TV.
Viewers don?t mind paying the direct source
Most of the viewership can be bifurcated into Cable TV, Satellite Network or streaming service. However, it's not necessary that viewers will hold themselves back over these services. I've seen Epix accumulate 15 million monthly subscribers on their website which is a sign that viewers are willing to go to the source for the content they want, bypassing any of the three viewing options.
History
Epix is a premium network by MGM that was launched in 2009. It was a joint venture between the four biggest studios, including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM), Viacom Inc., Lionsgate, and Paramount Pictures. These major studios joined hands to provide an original programming channel along with premium services. Epix is available throughout the United States in over 55 million homes. Its services are distributed across the world via cable, satellite, mobile phones, telco partners, connected TV devices and streaming services. It was also one of the few premium networks to be made available via website and gaming consoles.
Design
I would like to discuss Epix Now because that's the streaming service we want to talk about. Before that, if you want to know my opinion on Epix's website, here it is: Simple, intuitive and straight to the point. The gold and black color scheme are present on both the websites.
Epix
You can access the four main options on the left side of the Menu by clicking Originals, Movies, Collection, or Schedule. On the right side of the Menu, you'll find three main options: ?Watch with TV provider?, ?Watch with Digital Provider?, and ?Watch with App?.
Epix Now
The bottom of the ?Epix Now? homepage includes a quick menu for watching shows, managing your account and more.
The Epix Now homepage features a banner with six stars from its top shows and a big call out button that says "Start My 7-Day Free Trial?" If you scroll down, you'll find compatibility options that act as a filler before the footer. The bottom of the Epix Now homepage includes a quick menu for watching shows, managing your account and more.
Content
Epix Now offers the same content as found on Epix, except it is made digital. The traditional website asks you to link through either of the three services, but Epix Now allows you to log in and start streaming directly. In regards to content, there is a huge difference between the two services as Epix Now has its own originals apart from hundreds of movies and TV Shows.
The extensive content library includes classic films, latest movie releases, comedy and music events, original documentaries and on-demand services. Sure, Epix Now doesn't feel quite exclusive because of its premium nature but it offers content and movies available from other studios that I mentioned above.
You can find blockbuster movies such as Arrival, Star Trek, A Quiet Place, Annihilation, The Magnificent Seven, and Originals such as Godfather of Harlem, Pennyworth, Get Shorty, Perpetual Grace LTD., Berlin Station, and Deep State to name a few. Epix as a platform is expanding its reach in terms of Original content creation which is helping it withstand competition from streaming giants.
Premiere content makes it worth it
Epix is your one-stop shop for all things TV.
Epix allows you to watch new episodes as they air. You can enjoy 1000+ movie titles and go behind the scenes of your favorite TV shows to see interviews with cast and other original content. Additionally, the library is well-curated to meet your viewing needs. Discovering movies and TV shows is easy, and you can even use advanced search to find the title you?ve been looking for. Epix is your one-stop shop for all things TV!
Slight hiccup can leave a sour taste
I get annoyed when I can't watch a movie or TV show because of licensing rights. Many times, when there are licensing issues among those companies, a movie becomes unavailable and all I can access is "behind the scene clips, trailers, and interviews."
Desktop/Mobile experience
Epix now allows viewers to download TV shows and movies for offline viewing. Apart from that, you can also stream four live channels on compatible TV devices. These channels include Epix, Epix 2, Epix Drive-in and Epix Hits. I have viewed these channels on my iPad and I was quite satisfied with the experience. When I'm on the road, I like to watch movies with uninterrupted internet connection thus the offline feature helps a lot.
So far, I have been able to stream content including 4K Ultra HD content from Epix Now app. I have also been able to stream it on my TV screen and have been able to download it offline. Add to the fact that the service is compatible with my iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV - it makes the viewing experience much more versatile. As far as the streaming devices go, you can enjoy Epix Now on a multitude of viewing platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Apple iPhones, iPads and TV, Roku Players and Chromecast.
Watch with Friends
You can post comments, answer questions, and watch the video together as a group.
Having a ?Watch Party? feature in a video streaming app is amazing! I often use the ?Watch with friends? feature on EPIX which allows streaming with friends in a private room. You can see it in the same light as a chat room. You can post comments, answer questions, and watch the video together as a group.
How does that work?
There is a separate screening room that has a unique link that can be shared with up to four friends. Thus, even when you are far away from your friends, you can still enjoy the viewing experience as if you are together. I have three friends with whom I share the link to the screening room and we love the experience. We can play, pause and even talk throughout the TV show or movie.
Plans & Pricing
If you're new to the channel, you can download Epix Now and start your free trial. Once that is complete, you need to pay $5.99/per month in order to have instant access to its content library. What I want you to know is that if you don't want to continue your subscription, you need to cancel it before the free trial period ends. Thus, if you feel that it's not satiating your content needs, cancel it before the free trial period ends.
Suggestions I have for EPIX
I enjoy Epix Now and the simplicity around it. However, there are many areas in which it can still improve. When I compare it to Hulu, I see that the content can still improve a lot. I would like to appreciate the Originals and would love to see the studios churn out more of them in the future.
Conclusion
EPIX is a premium TV channel that provides viewers with access to an extensive content library. While EPIX is not meant as a streaming service, the six shows mentioned above have provided value for the $5.99/per month I?ve been paying for the last 7 months.
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