EpixHD, past its free preview stage, recently announced one of the more talked about features of its online service: Watch with Friends. Watch with Friends, as the name implies, lets you invite to enjoy whatever you may be viewing on EpixHD with other that are online and share comments, just as if you were all in the same room.
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.
Studio 3 Partners – Epix HD Press Announcements
ClipSync is a pioneer in group interactive TV watching, specializing in over the top (OTT) TV. And as you may see from ClipSync’s webpage, they have some pretty impressive clients
And now you may add upstart premium pay TV network EpixHD to that list. This weekend provides an excellent opportunity for you try out Watch with Friends when EpixHD premieres a new Kings of Leon concert.
The special was filmed at London’s The O2 arena, where three nights of shows sold out in mere minutes. The band’s enthusiasm was contagious as they rocked adoring European fans with the Grammy Award-winning “Sex on Fire,” the #1 hit “Use Somebody” and many other fan favorites from the band’s young but storied career.
Kings of Leon Rock EPIX – MarketWatch
Some of the feedback when Hulu launched a similar “Watch with…” feature using Facebook was that certain individuals don’t want to be interrupted during a movie. A concert, as Foo Fighters and BillboardLive live online events for example, may prove different.
Foo Fighters, Billboard and several others, however, have allowed you to bring your own social network and not have to create a new one. Each of those shows use Facebook and Twitter. No need to:
- create new user accounts
- invite friends to join
- update another status window
But there is hope yet. ClipSync recently announced a partnership with Boxee. Boxee does allow you to bring your own social network and allows you to shares what you are watching with no extra effort. For all you know, EpixHD will soon be doing the same thanks to ClipSync, if it isn’t doing so already. Only one way to know for sure:
Fire up your HDTV, point it at EpixHD, invite some friends to use ClipSync, and happy viewing.
Tags: ClipSync, EpixHD, HDTV, over the top, Pay TV, social networking, Watch with Friends
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