Rebranded Classic Movie Channels The Movie Network Encore and The Movie Network Encore 2 Launch Today On Air, On Demand and On Line

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Astral's re-branded classic movie channels, The Movie Network Encore and The Movie Network Encore 2 (TMN Encore and TMN Encore 2), launch today across Eastern Canada. Formerly known as Mpix and MorePix, the re-branded channels present subscribers with a new look and feel that more closely aligns graphically with The Movie Network, the primary brand and channel in the suite of pay services offered by Astral.

When purchased as a stand-alone subscription, TMN Encore and TMN Encore 2 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. When bundled with The Movie Network and its suite of multiplexes, viewers enjoy an unrivalled combination of premium first- and second-window Hollywood movies as well as critically acclaimed series from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz. All TMN Encore and TMN Encore 2 titles are available on the SVOD service TMN Encore OnDemand, and on TMN Encore OnLine, an Internet-based content streaming service.

"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," says Domenic Vivolo, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Astral Television Networks. "Although available à la carte, the two services complement each other perfectly to offer the best programming from all eras and genres, and a range of multiplatform viewing options, all at a price that is incredibly low and represents excellent value to consumers."

Coinciding with the re-brand is the launch of two new HD services, TMN Encore 2 HD and TMN MFest HD which will be offered through Rogers, Bell Fibe, Cogeco (Ontario only) and Eastlink, with other distributors launching in the coming months. 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.

Available in Eastern Canada, TMN Encore is a pay-television service featuring the ultimate collection of great movies from every era. TMN Encore also offers TMN Encore 2, a multiplex channel which is counter-programmed to give subscribers more choice; TMN Encore HD, a dedicated high-definition classics movie channel; and, TMN Encore OnDemand, an SVOD service. For more information, please visit www.tmnencore.ca.

TMN Encore 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]