MUMBAI: Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company and Comcast Corporation announced the mid-July launch of Vortex On Demand, a new video-on-demand service providing programming for kids ages six to 12.

Vortex On Demand programs will be available at no additional charge for Comcast Digital Cable customers and available as part of the Comcast On Demand Kids and Teens menu.

This new partnership provides Comcast access to hundreds of hours of animated children's shows produced and distributed by Nelvana Limited, a Corus subsidiary.

Nelvana will be responsible for programming the Vortex lineup of shows that will be available each month on Comcast On Demand, including: Jacob Two-Two, Stickin' Around, Tales from the Crypt Keeper, Cadillacs & Dinosaurs, Pippi Longstocking, Elliot Moose, Dumb Bunnies, Moville Mysteries, Flying Rhino Junior High and My Dad the Rock Star.

"This multi-year deal, which includes 393 half-hours of animation, is a clear indicator of the value of on-demand and underscores the value of our programming library. Vortex On Demand demonstrates the synergy of our vertically integrated company, looping in our content division Nelvana and the branding and packaging expertise of our television division to offer quality children's shows available at anytime," said Corus Entertainment president and CEO John M Cassaday.

"Video On Demand programming is one of the things that makes cable service better than satellite. We're pleased to launch Vortex On Demand and offer families a wider range of shows that appeal to children of all ages," said Comcast Cable president Steve Burke.

Comcast On Demand also offers programming for infants and preschoolers with PBS Kids Sprout and Pre-K Kids On Demand and is available to 90 per cent of the company's customers in markets across the US. Corus has also licensed a number of classic Nelvana preschool series such as Care Bears and Rupert to support Comcast's Pre-K Kids On Demand service.