A recent report from Reuters suggests that Apple has been in early negotiation stages with EPIX (an online movie-streaming service created by Lion Gate Entertainment) to obtain rights required to stream EPIX’s content to Apple’s plug-and-play box-style TV. According to cited sources, any deal that’s made between Apple and EPIX would also encompass future streaming devices (including the highly-rumored Apple TV set).
Apple, which now sells a $99 set-top box that hooks up to a television set and lets users stream online content from Netflix and the MLB channel, opened discussions with three-year-old EPIX, created by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, MGM and Viacom’s Paramount Pictures.
One of the sources told Reuters that any discussions would apply to its set-top box and also to upcoming devices that stream content.
While Reuters’ sources point out that full-blown negotiations between Apple and EPIX are premature, they inadvertently suggest that Apple is pursuing alternate avenues to fill their semi-lackluster TV platform with additional content.
Additionally, Netflix is known to have an exclusive contract with EPIX that permits them to stream Lions Gate Entertainment films. However, it’s unknown whether EPIX will agree to renew their contract with Netflix in September when the current term expires.
In light of EPIX’s agreement with one of the Apple TV platform’s long-time streaming providers (Netflix), it’s highly unlikely that Apple will agree to strike a deal with EPIX while they’re still providing Netflix with content. Stay tuned for more coverage on Apple, their future dealings with content providers and the rumored Apple TV set!
