Canadian media companies Shaw Communications and Rogers Communications are teaming up to launch shomi, a new subscription video-on-demand service, which they say ups the ante in entertainment with the latest, most exclusive shows and selections personalised for users.

Available initially on tablet, mobile, online, Xbox 360 and set-top boxes, shomi will launch in beta first to Rogers and Shaw Internet or TV customers. shomi will be available starting the first week of November at a suggested retail price of $8.99 per month.

The pair say shomi was created for entertainment lovers by entertainment lovers. It features prior seasons of the most popular shows on TV today, iconic series from the past, cult-classic and fan-favourite films, as well as a library of family-friendly kids programming. With exclusive past-season streaming rights to titles – such as Modern Family, Sons of Anarchy, Sleepy Hollow, Shameless, 2 Broke Girls, Vikings, New Girl, 24: Live Another Day, Chicago Fire, The Strain, and American Horror Story, along with first-window premières.

“We’ve taken the time to talk with Canadians to find out what they want and to create an unbelievable user experience,” said Keith Pelley, President, Rogers Media. “They told us loud and clear – they want all the past seasons of the most popular, current TV shows and they want it to be easy. shomi takes the guesswork out of finding what to watch, acting like a new-age video clerk serving up all the best content based on individual viewing habits.”

“We keenly understand the media landscape is rapidly changing and that viewers are looking for greater flexibility when it comes to what they watch and how they watch it,” said Barbara Williams, Senior Vice President, Content, Shaw Media. “shomi is our first step into the new world of content streaming and we’re so pleased to be able to bring this made in Canada service to the market.”

At launch, shomi says it offers:

• 14,000 episodes and titles

• 11,000 hours of TV shows

• 1,200 movies

• 340 TV series

• 30 per cent of content is Canadian, including TV shows and classic films

Enhanced features include trailers and factoids for movie titles to help customers make their selections, while a visually-appealing interface delivers a theatrical experience. With up to six profiles per account, shomi offers a convenient solution for the connected home, as customers can watch on two devices and their set-top boxes – all at the same time.

Additional details about the product, programming, and distribution will be announced in the coming weeks.

shomi is a joint venture owned equally by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications. shomi will operate as a standalone entity with its own management structure.

Categories: Articles, Business, Connected TV, Joint Venture, OTT, OTT