(29 July 2005 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Interactive Television Networks, Inc. (ITVN) has signed a licensing agreement with Academy Entertainment for the rights to over 1400 classic cinema titles featuring such stars as John Wayne, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and countless others.

Based on this content, ITVN will launch the Silver Screen Network (SSN) in early September. The Silver Screen Network will offer its entire catalog of titles to subscribers for only $4.95 per month, with the first month free for existing ITVN subscribers. Because ITVN offers the flexibility and interactivity of the Internet, subscribers can receive Silver Screen titles programmed in channels, on demand by genre, actor or title, or by creating their own customized play lists to fit their viewing preferences.

Interactive Television Networks Inc. is a vertically integrated provider of interactive content networks delivered to the television over home broadband. ITVN owns or controls all aspects of its business from content licenses, management, billing, and streaming software to the set-top-box installed in the consumer's home.

"ITVN's new Silver Screen Network will bring the Golden Age of cinema to what will surely be called the Golden Age of Internet Television," ITVN CEO Charles Prast said. "The Silver Screen Network adds a whole new dimension to our programming, and sets the stage for the addition of multiple mainstream networks including sports, international local news, lifestyle and much more."

According to Academy Entertainment president Alan Miller, "We are delighted with this license arrangement with ITVN. ITVN's technology allows for unlimited viewing of content on a real time on-demand basis. We believe that Internet-delivered television service providers, among which ITVN is a leader, are of benefit to both consumers seeking a broader range of on-demand entertainment and content owners looking to meet that demand."