EPIX Introduces First Interactive Social Viewing Experience of Feature-Length Films Through Partnership With ClipSync

NEW YORK, NY and SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - December 1, 2009) - EPIX™, the next generation premium entertainment service from Viacom, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate and MGM, has launched the first true Social TV platform that makes TV viewing highly interactive at its website www.EpixHD.com. EPIX developed the platform in partnership with ClipSync, using their technology to deliver the first social viewing experience of feature-length films to its subscribers. EPIX's use of ClipSync's Social TV platform delivers interactive features to create a new movie viewing experience in a more engaged, shared and fun environment.

Among the online features for EpixHD.com viewers is the ability to watch films while chatting with others and engaging with the movies. In the coming months, EpixHD.com viewers will also be able to launch live movie groups and participate in special events with the films, which may feature online interaction with the stars of the films.

ClipSync's Social TV technology offers consumers true social interaction centering upon engagement at the exact time users are watching video content. Unlike traditional means of posting comments or engaging with other users after viewing takes place, all interaction at EpixHD.com occurs at the exact time the video content is being consumed.

"ClipSync is bridging the gap between TV viewing and the way people socialize," said Itzik Cohen, CEO, ClipSync. "In an era of immense online socializing and connecting with others, we're seamlessly fusing movie viewing with the viewers' online social interactions. EPIX is breaking new ground by being the first to engage the feature-length film viewing audience online in a dynamic and truly social manner."

EPIX viewers can look forward to ongoing new and exclusive opportunities over the next few months including the ability to utilize ClipSync's interactive Social TV technology to view live events and concerts, director's cuts, deleted scenes, special screenings, interviews with stars and filmmakers, as well as movie premieres.

"EPIX was created to engage and entertain consumers as no service has done before, and through ClipSync's technologies, we're moving one step closer to realizing this entertainment revolution," said Emil Rensing, chief digital officer, EPIX. "The platform we have created with ClipSync helps us empower viewers with greater participation in the overall entertainment experience. It enhances programming by making it interactive and more socially engaging by allowing our viewers to create, share, comment and react to content while they are simultaneously watching the video. This partnership is a key part of EPIX's plan to embrace and lead the digital generation in an new era of media consumption."

In partnership with Adobe and Akamai, ClipSync's implementation by EPIX marks one of the first major production deployments of Flash Media Server 3.5's dynamic streaming capabilities through the Akamai EdgePlatform.

ABOUT EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. EPIX is currently distributed by Verizon FiOS on Channel 395 in SD and Channel 895 in HD and will be distributed by other partners. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers. In addition, it will carry up to 22 Roadside Attractions films slated for theatrical release in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and up to 20 of Samuel Goldwyn's films slated for theatrical release in 2010 and 2011.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX will air new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry's most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX's programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.

Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.

ABOUT CLIPSYNC

ClipSync is leading the re-emergence of TV as a social and shared activity, making TV and video viewing more fun. ClipSync delivers the first true Social TV platform that makes TV viewing highly interactive, whether watching alone or with others. Through ClipSync's white-labeled, Social TV platform, media companies can drive viewership with integrated social media tools, and offer interactive, creative ad formats customized to best suit their content. ClipSync's solution is unique in that the level of engagement and interactivity is all delivered within a single screen experience on the PC, and takes place while media content is displayed, making it the only truly Social TV solution on the market today. ClipSync was founded in 2007 and is based in San Francisco, CA.