The New York Times is reporting on the announcement of a new unlimited movie download service from Starz Entertainment. The $9.95 a month subscription service called Vongo will allow users to download movies from the Internet for use on their computers, portable video players and TVs.
Starz had previously offered a movie download subscription through RealNetworks but has now switched over to Microsoft. Microsoft will be heavily promoting Vongo in an upcoming release of its Windows Media Player software and as content for their Portable Media Player devices.
The service is available at Vongo.com and currently offers 800 movies for download at $9.95 a month. Users are allowed unlimited downloads. Movies are in Windows Media Player format, widescreen aspect ratio and approximately 600MB in size. (Example Specs: The Incredibles comes in a 700Kbps bitrate, Windows Media 9, 64Kbps stereo WMA9 audio, and 680x368 resolution.)
Movies are playable on up to 3 computers or portable media players.
According to the article, Starz has not been able to work out an arrangement for Vongo to work on the iPod. As well, at present time the service does not work on Macs, but according to their website:
Vongo is currently PC based, but will soon be Mac compatible (really!)
This service was previously rumored. Apple has been generating a lot of press with the early success of their Video sales on the iTunes Music Store. At this time, however, Apple is only offering television show content, music videos and Pixar shorts.
Update: Macworld reports that Vongo has been in contact with Apple, but are still waiting to hear back regarding Apple's interest.
