EPIX is looking to establish itself as a leader in the network market by being one of the first to offer 4K Ultra HD support to its subscribers through its apps. The finer details on which platform apps have yet to be announced and so it remains unclear whether this will be a widely available app feature or one that arrives primarily on select devices and platforms. In addition, there is also no definitive information on when the support will first become available, outside of the confirmation it will come at some point during this year. This is based on a new report out of Variety which credits the company’s Executive VP and GM, Monty Sarhan, for the information.
According to the limited information coming through, the support will start lightly with a number of specific titles first gaining the support. While even the full confirmed list is still unavailable, a number of James Bond titles are said to be included, as is select Star Trek and Transformers movies. While on the TV side of things, the only confirmed title is EPIX’s own Get Shorty. Needless to say, the list is expected to grow over time.
What might be of more interest to some is the same report details EPIX is very much considering offering a standalone subscription service. Again the details on this are light but the suggestion is this is more on how EPIX will bring to market a direct-to-consumer solution and not whether it will. With Sarhan reportedly confirming it is on the company’s roadmap and EPIX is currently working towards it. While also adding that a direct customer solution “is very important” to the company. Therefore, while it seems to be the case that it is a matter of time before a standalone solution comes through, there are no suggestions on how it will compare to the company’s current offerings, or for that matter, how much it will differ in terms of price. In either case, based on the current announcement that 4K support is coming, it would stand to reason that if and when a standalone service does arrive, it will also support 4K.