epix.com

The rise of streaming services has caused a spike in the number of people cutting the cord, primarily because these platforms offer a wider variety of content than traditional cable TV providers. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are the most popular streaming services, and HBO and Hulu are following suit. This is because developers know how to monetize streaming platforms well, which is why more traditional channels are starting to extend their reach through digital platforms. EPIX - a premium TV channel owned by MGM has recently entered the digital fray by introducing EPIX NOW, a subscription-based model wherein the majority of its content and Live TV is available online.

Diversifying is the key to sustainability

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) has identified Epix Now as a platform that can help expand its reach, especially among the younger generation who are increasingly leaning towards streaming services over traditional pay television or satellite TV connections. Epix which, in and of itself, is a premium service was earlier only available either as a cable or satellite upgrade. However, nowadays it has its own online presence and is often bundled with other streaming TV platforms such as PlayStation Vue to Sling TV.

Viewers don?t mind paying the direct source

Studies have shown that the majority of viewership can be bifurcated into Cable TV, Satellite Network, or streaming service. However, it is not necessary that viewers will hold themselves back over these services. Epix has accumulated 15 million monthly subscribers on their website, which indicates that viewers are willing to go to the source for the content they want, bypassing any of the three viewing options.

History

Epix - a premium network by MGM was launched in 2009 with the intention of providing the best access to its users. Epix is available throughout the United States in over 55 million homes and its services are distributed across the world via cable, satellite, mobile phones, telco partners, connected TV devices and streaming services. It was also one of the very few premium networks to be made available via website and gaming consoles.

Design

I would like to discuss Epix Now, as that is the streaming service we are interested in. Before discussing the website, if you would like my opinion, I will say that it is simple, intuitive and straightforward. The gold and black color scheme is present on both websites, with white text providing a contrast.

Epix

You can access the Menu by scrolling to the left, and clicking on Originals, Movies, Collection, or Schedule. On the right side of the page are three main sections: ?Watch with TV Provider?, ?Watch with Digital Provider?, and ?Watch with App?. These are all your options for watching content.

Epix Now

The Epix Now website is similar to Epix's main website. There is a "Get Epix" option on the left and "Log in" option on the right. A clear banner featuring six stars from its top shows and big call out button which says "Start My 7-Day Free trial?" is visible. If you scroll down, you'll find compatibility options that act as a filler before the footer.

Content

Epix Now, a digital-only service, offers the same content as Epix, which is found on their website but it is streamed directly. In regards to content, there are differences between the two services; Epix Now has originals as well as hundreds of movies and TV Shows from other providers. The extensive library of content includes classics, latest movie releases, comedy and music events, original documentaries and on-demand services. Epix Now does not feel quite exclusive because it offers content and movies available from other studios that I mentioned above.

You can find blockbuster movies such as Arrival, Star Trek, A Quiet Place, Annihilation, The Magnificent Seven and Originals such as Godfather of Harlem, Pennyworth, Get Shorty, Perpetual Grace LTD, Berlin Station and Deep State to name a few on Epix. Epix is expanding its reach in terms of Original content creation which is helping it withstand competition from streaming giants.

Premiere content makes it worth it

Epix allows you to watch new episodes as they premiere, enjoying 1000+ movie titles and going behind the scenes of your favorite TV shows to see interviews with cast and other original content. Additionally, the library is well-curated to meet your viewing needs, making discovering movies and shows easy.

Slight hiccup can leave a sour taste

Among the many benefits of being a member, there is one disadvantage: movies and TV shows can be unavailable due to licensing rights. Often when there are clashes between companies over rights, a movie becomes unavailable and access to behind-the-scenes footage, trailers, and interviews is the only thing available.

Desktop/Mobile experience

Epix Now offers viewers the ability to download TV shows and movies for offline viewing. Along with that, you can also stream four live channels on compatible TV devices. These channels include Epix, Epix 2, Epix Drive-in and Epix Hits. I have viewed these channels on my iPad and found them to be satisfactory. When I'm away from an uninterrupted internet connection, I like to watch movies with friends or family, which the offline feature will help with. So far, I have been able to stream content including 4K Ultra HD content from Epix Now app. I have also been able to stream it on my TV screen and have been able to download it offline. Add to the fact that the service is compatible with my iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV - it makes the viewing experience much more versatile. As far as streaming devices go, you can enjoy Epix Now on a multitude of viewing platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, Android phones and tablets, Android TV, Apple iPhones, iPads and TV, Roku Players and Chromecast.

Watch with Friends

Some users on Facebook have seen a feature called "Watch Party." This feature is amazing because it allows streaming with friends in a private room. This is similar to the ?Watch with friends? feature on the EPIX app, which lets you stream with friends in a private room.

How does that work?

There is a separate screening room that can be shared with up to four friends. Thus, even when you are far away from your friends, you can still enjoy the viewing experience as if you are together. I have a group of three friends with whom I stream Godfather of Harlem and we love the experience. We can play, pause and even talk throughout the TV show or movie.

Plans & Pricing

If you are new to the channel, you can download Epix Now and sign up for a free trial. Once that is complete, you need to pay $5.99/per month to get instant access to its content library. What I want you to know is that you can cancel your subscription if you don't want to continue. Thus, if you feel that it's not satiating your content needs, cancel it before the free trial period ends.

Suggestions I have for EPIX

I enjoy Epix Now and its simplicity. However, there are many areas in which it can still improve. When I compare it to Hulu, I see that the content can still be improved a lot. I would like to appreciate the Originals and would love to see the studios churn out more of them in the future.

Conclusion

EPIX is a premium television channel that offers viewers a vast content library for which they can subscribe. For those who want to watch television shows, EPIX is mostly movie-oriented, as compared to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Personally, the six shows I mentioned above have been sufficient for the $5.99/month subscription I've been paying for the last seven months.