Sainsbury's Partners With Rovi to Power New Digital Video Service

Sainsbury's Partners With Rovi to Power New Digital Video Service

LONDON, August 23, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

Sainsbury's
[http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/televisions/smarttvs/list.html?sort=default&hnav=4294904055 ]
has licensed Rovi Corporation to power a new digital video service for
Sainsbury's Entertainment [http://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk ]. Expected to launch
later this year, the new service will offer video on demand and digital copies of major
studio Film and Television
[http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/televisions/list.html ] titles. The move
reinforces Sainsbury's entertainment strategy and complements its rapidly expanding
digital entertainment lineup that already includes music and ebooks.



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
[http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/home_cinemadvd_and_blu_ray/dvd_and_blu_ray/list.html?sort=default&hnav=4294960247 ]
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
[http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/televisions/smarttvs/list.html?sort=default&hnav=4294904055 ]
, 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."



About Sainsbury's



Sainsbury's (http://www.sainsburys.co.uk) was founded in 1869 and today operates
over 1,000 stores, including 440 convenience stores and employs around 150,000 colleagues.
The business puts customers at the heart of everything it does and has invested in its
stores, personnel, and channels to deliver the best possible shopping experience. Learn
more about Sainsbury's at http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk




Contact:

Thomas Knorpp
thomas.knorpp@sainsburys.co.uk
+44(0)20-7695-4427





Source: Sainsbury?s




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