MGM Beefs Up US HD Channel With Verizon FiOS TV Distribution

MGM Beefs Up US HD Channel With Verizon FiOS TV Distribution

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to capitalize on the opportunities created by the recent growth in high definition television, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) has secured carriage for its MGM HD Channel on Verizon's FiOS TV service, bringing feature film hits from the MGM library to Verizon FiOS TV subscriber households in full high definition splendor. The announcement was made today by Douglas A. Lee, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Digital Media for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Jim Packer, Co-President, MGM Worldwide Television.

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"The response to the MGM HD Channel, even in today's crowded and challenging marketplace, has been very encouraging, especially as consumers validate our belief that HDTV owners value movies along with sports as HD's greatest viewing proposition," said Lee in announcing the Verizon FiOS TV agreement. "We are one of the only services available 24/7 in full 1080i HD."

MGM HD will be rolled out in late 2008 across all of the Verizon FiOS TV systems including California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.

Taking the lead among Hollywood studios to convert substantial theatrical library assets to the superior broadcasting format of high definition, MGM HD has already proven its popularity with consumers in the U.S., having previously launched on DirecTV in October of 2007. MGM Chairman and CEO Harry Sloan's initiative is to launch MGM branded HD channels around the world.

Backed by the world's largest modern film library, consisting of more than 4,100 film titles and winner of 209 Academy Awards(R), MGM HD has a distinct advantage over the competition in the expanding HD marketplace. In addition to classic MGM theatrical hits, MGM HD will be the ultimate resource for serious movie fans, offering viewers an array of original programming and new content.

Audiences can look forward to exclusive behind the scenes coverage of red carpet events, sneak peeks at new films in production, seasonal promotions and world premieres of newly re-mastered hits from the MGM library.

About MGM HD

MGM HD, the studio's first wholly-owned channel in the United States, delivers a robust library of classic and contemporary films in high definition, 1080i. MGM HD is the ultimate resource for serious movie fans. MGM HD is composed of a 24/7 linear network, a companion MGM HD VOD offering, and mgmhd.com. It draws from the largest modern film library in the world. And with world premieres of newly re-mastered hits and exclusive original programming, MGM HD is the way movies were meant to be seen.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.

CONTACT:
Jeff Pryor
Executive Vice President/Corporate Communications
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
p. 310-449-3446; e. jpryor@mgm.com

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Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

CONTACT: Jeff Pryor, Executive Vice President-Corporate Communications
of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., +1-310-449-3446, jpryor@mgm.com

Web site:

http://www.mgm.com/

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