Classic Movie Channels Mpix and MorePix Re-Brand to The Movie Network Encore and The Movie Network Encore2

• Re-Brand Coincides with HD Launches of TMN Encore 2 and The Movie Network's MFest on September 18

TORONTO, Aug. 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Astral's Mpix and MorePix, the classic movie channels offered in eastern Canada, will re-brand on September 18 to become The Movie Network Encore and The Movie Network Encore 2 (TMN Encore and TMN Encore 2). The rebrand will graphically align the channels more closely with The Movie Network, which is the primary brand and channel in the suite of pay services offered by Astral. The new branding, developed and designed by Astral Television's in-house Creative Agency, will appear on-air, on-demand and on-line, and coincides with the launch of TMN Encore 2 HD and TMN MFest HD, a multiplex channel offered as part of The Movie Network subscription package.

"TMN Encore perfectly complements The Movie Network to offer subscribers unparalleled choice and value," says Domenic Vivolo, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Astral Television Networks. "While The Movie Network and its multiplexes offer new Hollywood hit movies and critically acclaimed series from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz, TMN Encore offers films from every era and from every genre from a library that runs deeper than any other service in the country. By visually aligning TMN Encore and The Movie Network we are striving to reinforce the connection between the channels and highlight the value and entertainment proposition provided by the entire suite of channels, all for an incredibly low price."

TMN Encore and TMN Encore 2 can be purchased as a stand-alone subscription or can be bundled with The Movie Network for even greater value. Together, TMN and TMN Encore offer the ultimate collection of great movies from every era and genre, ranging from thriller, suspense and action-packed entertainment to drama and light-hearted favourites. All titles are available on the SVOD service TMN Encore OnDemand, and on TMN Encore OnLine, an Internet-based content streaming service.

Coinciding with the re-brand is the launch of two new HD services, TMN Encore 2 HD and TMN MFest HD. With the launch of these two HD services, all of Astral Television's English pay-television offerings are now available in HD.

The Movie Network is a pay television service available in eastern Canada. With premiere access to Hollywood hit movies, new and exclusive HBO content, critically acclaimed Showtime series and first-rate Canadian programming, this pay-television service presents Canadians with some of the best television entertainment available. The Movie Network service includes five 24-hour multiplex channels - The Movie Network, HBO Canada, MExcess, MFun! and MFest - which deliver diverse and entertaining programs in an uncut and commercial-free television environment. All five multiplex channels are also simulcast in High Definition and are joined by The Movie Network OnDemand, a Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) service, available in select areas across eastern Canada; and, TMN OnLine an Internet-based content streaming service available to BellTV, Rogers and Videotron subscribers. For more information, please visit www.themovienetwork.ca .

TMNEncore and The Movie Network are members of the Astral family. Astral Media Inc. (TSX : ACM.A/ACM.B) is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and interactive media properties. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers. To learn more about Astral, visit astral.com.

SOURCE: THE MOVIE NETWORK

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For additional information please contact Nicolle Balen at 416-956-8638 or [email protected]