Hoyts announces streaming service

Hoyts will launch a streaming service to be available in the first quarter of 2013. Hoyts Stream will offer consumers pay-as-you-go new release films on the same day as DVD releases. Classic films and TV content is expected to follow.The announcement:

Today, Australia’s oldest and one of the most-loved cinema brands, Hoyts, announced it will embrace the evolving world of filmed entertainment by launching Hoyts Stream in the first quarter of 2013.

With Hoyts Stream, the Hoyts Corporation intends to create a market leading digital movie streaming business, which leverages and integrates with Hoyts’ existing assets. Hoyts Stream will utilise an Internet driven streaming platform, which will support multi-device access and offer consumers a pay-as-you-go model for New Release as well as Classic Movies and TV content. An all-you-can eat subscription model, specifically for Movie & TV Classics, will follow later in 2013. New Release content on the Hoyts Stream Service will release day & date with current DVD windows.

Hoyts believes that the proliferation of tablets, other mobile devices and smart televisions, coupled with ubiquitous broadband, will enable it to access consumers directly, leveraging its content relationships, bundling/rewards opportunities, and brand.