Amazon signs deal with Epix for Instant Video
NEW YORK (AP) - Amazon says it has signed a deal with Epix to license movies from Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate for its Prime Instant Video online streaming service.
Together with other recent deals, the Epix contract means the service now has 25,000 movies and TV-show episodes, twice the number it had when Amazon launched the Kindle Fire tablet computer last year, it says.
Amazon is expected to reveal a new Fire model on Thursday.
The deal will add movies like "The Hunger Games" and "The Avengers" to Amazon's lineup. Epix is a joint venture between Paramount parent Viacom Inc., MGM and Lionsgate.
The service provides unlimited streaming to members of Amazon Prime, who pay $79 per year and get free two-day shipping on Amazon merchandise.
Amazon shares are up $1.22 at $249.49.
Together with other recent deals, the Epix contract means the service now has 25,000 movies and TV-show episodes, twice the number it had when Amazon launched the Kindle Fire tablet computer last year, it says.
Amazon is expected to reveal a new Fire model on Thursday.
The deal will add movies like "The Hunger Games" and "The Avengers" to Amazon's lineup. Epix is a joint venture between Paramount parent Viacom Inc., MGM and Lionsgate.
The service provides unlimited streaming to members of Amazon Prime, who pay $79 per year and get free two-day shipping on Amazon merchandise.
Amazon shares are up $1.22 at $249.49.
The Hunger Games has been on Amazon's streaming video list for at least a week, I just watched it this last weekend.  As a subscriber to Netflix and Amazon's prime, I have to say Amazon's movie selection is FAR better than Netfix's. I'm about ready to cancel my subscription to Netflix.Â
As someone who doesn't have cable (only crappy Comcast is offered where I live and because of the trees I can't get satellite) I keep up-to-date on all my shows online. I love Amazon Instant Video for this reason. At $1.99 per episode (plus tax), I should really look into Amazon Prime!
 @Tattooed_Angel I agree with you that Comcast is crappy. Reliability, service and outrages price.  The problem is, there isn't any other alternative for fast internet, not where I live anyway.  It's for this reason that I think cable companies should be regulated.Â
 @Tattooed_Angel Crappy Comcast, eh? I think you meant crappy satellite.
@Lloyd Christmas No, I mean crappy Comcast. I used to have Directv and loved them. When I moved, trees prevented me from having a sattelite so I signed up for Comcast. I was supposed to get some sign up deal discount for the first 12 months but for 6 months straight I was overcharged by $30. Every month I had to call and fight to get the deduction I was supposed to receive. They have the absolute worst customer service. Month 7 when I got my bill and was overcharged yet again, I had enough.
Â
Comcast sucks!
 @Lloyd Christmas  @Tattooed_Angel If it wasn't for the internet need, I'd be on satellite in a heartbeat. Channel selection and prices beat cable hands down.Â
Just signed up for prime and love it.  The web interface needs some work but so did Netflix in the beginning.  But at least Prime adds new programs for people other than kids.  Was starting to feel like Netflix was the new Nickelodeon or going to just be for kids.
Sweet!!
This could be netflix's next competition. Â
 @Landshark Already is
Â