Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 9, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The ProSiebenSat.1 Group and United Internet AG intend to launch the “maxdome” video-on-demand portal in the second quarter of 2006. It is intended to offer an extensive selection of films, comedy and series, with access possible both through a PC via a broadband Internet connection and through a set-top box and a TV set.
“maxdome” is linked to a strategic cooperation between the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and United Internet AG. With its 1&1, Web.de and GMX brands, United Internet AG is one of the largest Internet providers in Germany and, according to its own figures, reaches around 18 million active Internet users. With this cooperation, the partners intend to develop the German video-on-demand market together.
“DSL is a new route to the viewer for us – above all to the younger generations who grew up with computers,” explains Guillaume de Posch, chairman of the executive board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG. “The strategic partnership between United Internet AG and ProSiebenSat.1 defines new added value for the DSL connection,” says Ralph Dommermuth, chairman of the executive board of United Internet AG: “In addition to the Internet and phone flat rates, an extensive video-on-demand package is therefore available for the first time as a subscription at a fixed monthly price.”
For “maxdome,” the ProSiebenSat.1 Group has secured a broad spectrum of video-on-demand rights. Contracts with Paramount Pictures Global (for example “Mission Impossible 1 & 2,” “Forrest Gump,” “Star Trek Nemesis”), Constantin Film Verleih (“(T)Raumschiff Surprise – Periode 1,” “Alexander”), Kinowelt (“Saw 2,” “Die Reise der Pinguine”) and Epsilon Motion Pictures (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Der ewige Gärtner”) are intended to guarantee an attractive selection of feature films. The group is currently in negotiations with further Hollywood studios. In addition, the ProSiebenSat.1 Group holds the video-on-demand rights to the KirchMedia Library (including “Sieben Jahre in Tibet,” “Blade”).
A large selection of programs from the channels Sat.1, ProSieben, kabel eins and N24 will also be available through the portal. Formats such as “Verliebt in Berlin” or the new ProSieben telenovela “Lotta in Love” are available on “maxdome” as previews even before their TV broadcast. Access is possible both as a subscription to various packages and as individual streaming (24h pay-per-view). The offering can be used as often as desired, as with a DVD.
“maxdome” will be accessible both directly at http://www.maxdome.de and through the 1&1, Web.de and GMX portals. For streaming to the TV set, 1&1 is launching a specially certified set-top box from Thomson in spring 2006 that is “ready for maxdome” and is connected by Plug & Play between the IP connection and television. “maxdome” can be used as an open platform from all broadband networks and is not tied to a specific access provider.
As part of the strategic cooperation, United Internet is responsible for streaming, billing and customer management. “maxdome” is produced and operated by SevenSenses. As a new subsidiary of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group, SevenSenses belongs to the Diversification division and is responsible for the group’s video-on-demand, IPTV and pay-TV offerings. Both partners will support the market launch of “maxdome” in the second quarter of 2006 through extensive promotional, marketing and sales activities. Encryption and Digital Rights Management are provided by the US technology company entriq to protect the video-on demand offering against piracy.
The ProSiebenSat.1 Group’s new video-on-demand portal will be presented to the public for the first time in a preliminary version at CeBIT 2006 at the 1&1 booth in hall 16 as part of a daily presentation.
