Starz Vongo Movie Service Goes Gold

Starz said Monday that its Vongo video download service was moving out of beta, and announced new enhancements to be made to the final version. These include a better user interface, higher encode rates, better video selection, and 600 new TV-based programs to appear throughout the year.

Consumer feedback during the beta was behind the higher encode rates, which Starz said would result in a better picture regardless of the device used. The improvement will be most noticeable on large televisions and on the PC screen, the company said.

The improved user interface includes better descriptions and performance, and is now more easily searchable. Additionally, on top of the 1,600 plus selections currently available, Starz said it would add at least 600 more throughout the rest of the year.

While the Vongo service will continue to cost $9.99 USD monthly for a subscription, certain movies would now be made available for 99 cents. This is made possible through new enhancements that allow for variable pricing, the company said.

"The subscription business for long-form video entertainment is an absolute winner and continues its historical trend as the preferred alternative," Bob Greene, senior vice president of advanced services for Starz said in the announcement. "Building on the foundation of Vongo's subscription business with new content -- and leveraging our exclusive movie rights -- will remain Vongo's focus."

Greene added that the company plans to experiment with other delivery methods, including electronic rental.