Instant Media (I'M), a privately-held technology company pioneering Internet TV, today announced that a new version of its patent-pending software is now available for download. Instant Media 1.2 adds an integrated commerce engine, allowing users to purchase, rent or subscribe to premium content on I'M's free high-definition Internet TV player. The commerce function was added in anticipation of the launch of I'M's premium content channels. Additionally, an integrated marketing capability enables content providers to market and promote their offerings over the web and though a broad network of marketing affiliates.

Content producers now have several new options for delivering their premium content on I'M including download-to-own, download-to-rent, and recurring monthly subscriptions. The commerce function supports the purchase of individual titles, series and content bundles. After downloading I'M's free software, users can create a simple-to-use, password-protected account allowing them to easily purchase and download their favorite premium content. With eMarketer estimating that 139 million people will have sufficient bandwidth to be able to receive IPTV within the next four years, the need for efficient and glitch-free content delivery systems is essential for both programming providers and the rapidly growing audience they are trying to reach.

"I'M is committed to delivering the ultimate platform for Internet TV and is always looking for ways to improve,” said Andy Leak, CEO of Instant Media. "Adding a commerce engine to our platform gives major film and television studios flexibility and control to determine how their content is distributed and monetized on I'M. We look forward to working closely with our content partners to expand audience and revenues in this emerging market.”

I'M's new release also features integrated capabilities for marketing and promoting paid content. With tools to automate and execute marketing campaigns for paid content, I'M can work with content providers to attract new viewers over the web and through a network of more than 1200 affiliate marketing partners, including content sites, search marketing specialists, and online media directories.

For end-users, the new user interface features updated management tools that expand options to users organizing their content libraries. I'M's player automatically detects the amount of disk space available on a user's system and calculates an optimal size for the cache. Users can monitor their cache capacity with a visible bar on the player. When the cache becomes full, the content manager will mark the oldest items for deletion. Items users wish to save indefinitely can easily be saved to the library. Additionally, the upgraded interface allows users to create "filters” to screen content for inclusion of a particular word or phrase before it downloads to the cache. This feature helps I'M users to better target the content they download as they choose from the over 550 channels available on I'M today.

To download the free software, visit www.im.com.