Sainsbury’s partners with Rovi to power new digital video service
Sainsbury’s has licensed Rovi Corporation to power a new digital video service for Sainsbury’s Entertainment, following in the Tesco/blinkbox footsteps.
Expected to launch later this year, the new service will offer video on demand and digital copies of major studio Film and Television titles.
Powered by the Rovi Entertainment Store, Sainsbury’s will provide customers convenient access to an extensive library of film and TV entertainment including new releases often on the same day they are available on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. The service will initially be available online at Sainsbury’s Entertainment and then expand to offer access through a range of internet connected devices including Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, smartphones and game consoles.
Over the past year Sainsbury’s has bolstered its online entertainment offer through the strategic acquisitions of Anobii Limited, a social network and online retailer of e-books and online entertainment company Global Media Vault Ltd. These acquisitions along with the launch of its music download service supports Sainsbury’s commitment to multichannel retailing.
Luke Jensen, group development director, Sainsbury’s commented on the partnership: “Rovi was a natural choice to collaborate with for the launch of Sainsbury’s Entertainment’s digital video service given the company’s market expertise, long-standing industry relationships and proven technology. On demand streaming video is an exciting addition to our existing online offerings, and supports our customers as they progress from consuming content on physical disc to accessing their favourite entertainment on a range of devices, where and when they choose.”
David Cook, senior vice president of sales and marketing and general manager of Rovi Entertainment Store, Rovi said: “Our agreement with Sainsbury’s is an important win for Rovi as we continue our efforts to expand our presence and influence in international markets. Sainsbury’s is an ideal company to collaborate with as they have the marketing acumen, as well as the consumer reach and loyalty needed to be successful and help introduce new consumers to the convenience, quality, and flexibility of online video entertainment.”