Kaleidescape, Sony ink 4K content deal


Details

Michelle Clancy

| 16 October 2015





Kaleidescape has inked a licence agreement with Sony Pictures to offer 4K Ultra HD films for download from the Kaleidescape Movie Store.


In addition, the company announced that the sale of each new Kaleidescape Strato Movie Player will include five downloadable movies of the customer's choice from a list of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment 4K Ultra HD titles.

The Strato Movie Player is the centrepiece of Kaleidescape's Encore product line. Since it plays back downloaded movies from the hard drive, Kaleidescape can deliver 4K Ultra HD movies in 10-bit video with playback bit rates between 50Mbps and 100Mbps, the company said.

"Kaleidescape continues to innovate by focusing on the delivery of the high quality consumer experiences," said Jason Spivak, EVP, Worldwide Digital Distribution and North America Sales, Sony Pictures. "We are excited to bring our ever-expanding catalogue of 4K Ultra HD titles to Kaleidescape movie enthusiasts."

Kaleidescape customers can also upgrade their previously purchased UltraViolet SD and HD Sony Pictures titles to 4K Ultra HD format, where available.

"Kaleidescape's focus on quality and experience goes well beyond playing back movies," said Cheena Srinivasan, Founder and CEO of Kaleidescape. "It encompasses our Movie Store, our gorgeous on-screen user interface, and everything else we do. Kaleidescape pioneered the inclusion of many value-added features for Internet-delivered movies. We give our audience the opportunity to re-live the best parts of a movie with instant access to bookmarked scenes and songs, and provide seamless integration with home-automation controls. While customers expect quality in a luxury product, Kaleidescape adds an unexpected level of simplicity and convenience that has come to define our brand."

Sony Pictures 4K Ultra HD titles will be available in the Kaleidescape Movie Store for customers in the United States, Canada, and UK. Retail prices will be around $30 per movie in the United States and Canada, and about £20 in the UK. Kaleidescape's Strato Movie Players are expected to ship in early Q1 2016.