In yet another story that relates to the union between the PC and TV, Starz Entertainment announced that Vongo, the Internet-based subscription video download service, will be available to play on the television as result of a new relationship with Microsoft for Windows Vista and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

So what does this mean for your current provider's on-demand pay-per-view service? Big trouble. Vongo subscribers have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and 2,500 total video selections as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel for a monthly cost of $9.99. That makes the $3.99 per-movie rental fee most providers charge for on-demand a bit hefty.

But where does simplicity come in? Renting a movie via on-demand is pretty easy and nearly instantaneous. Renting a movie online will add a delay to that movie-going experience. However, for those who might not have on-demand movies, this would be a solution.

Additionally, Vongo has been selected as the premier "Movies" launch partner for Windows Vista. Under the terms of the agreement, consumers purchasing either Windows Vista Premium-based or Windows Vista Ultimate-based PCs will be able to easily download their favorite movies onto their PC or laptop using Vongo and then view the titles on any connected TV in the home. By developing a brand new Vongo user interface specifically for Windows Vista with Windows Media Center, Starz Entertainment is working in tandem with Microsoft to build upon the promise of last year's launch of the Vongo service. Vongo has now enhanced the digital entertainment experience making people's lives easier, more entertaining and better connected.

The new Windows Vista-enabled Vongo service will also take advantage of the Windows Media Center platform to allow users to stream movies and other content via Media Center extenders, such as Xbox 360 consoles, that are connected to the home network. The Xbox 360 will automatically check to see which Windows XP or Vista-based devices are registered on the network and ask the user whether they want to access content, such as their Vongo movies, from that PC. This is a simple and easy approach that solves past problems that required configuration and technical knowledge by the user. The launch of Windows Vista enables a new generation of users to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience -- whether it's movies, music, games, or the latest TV shows.

"Over the past twelve months we have witnessed increasing interest in the movie download industry with a wave of new services, devices and alternative business models," said Bob Greene, executive vice president, advanced services for Starz Entertainment. However, according to our customer feedback, the number one barrier to adoption is the fact that the movies can only play on the PC and not on their TV. It has been easier, up to now, to use a DVD rather than a downloaded movie. By working with Microsoft on the development of Vongo for Windows Vista with Windows Media Center, we have added the last important piece for consumers: to have a truly integrated digital entertainment experience whether they are on the road or in the living room. Combining our superior subscription business model -- based upon exclusive movie rights -- with the ability to easily watch movies on a TV, Vongo is uniquely positioned in the marketplace."

Michael Goodman, program manager, Digital Entertainment, Yankee Group noted, "Consumers are developing an appetite for accessing digital content whenever and wherever they want. One of the key challenges to widespread adoption of video downloads is bridging the gap between the PC and -- the most important element in the home entertainment experience -- the TV. By working with Microsoft on the Windows Vista launch, Starz Entertainment is taking a significant step to removing this hurdle, ensuring that Vongo users have the freedom to watch Hollywood movies and other video content in the comfort of their living room or wherever else they choose."

To enhance the overall "10-foot experience," Starz Entertainment designed an advanced user interface (UI) specifically for Windows Vista and Windows Media Center enabling Vongo subscribers to access and browse their PC-based movie library from the comfort of their own living room via the TV screen. The UI also introduces an innovative new system of sliding screens, which enable users to seamlessly navigate through the latest movie offerings and background information.

Vongo subscribers have unlimited access to more than 1,000 movies and 2,500 total video selections as well as a live, streaming Starz TV channel for a monthly cost of $9.99. Select popular pay-per-view titles are also available for individual rental. In addition to Windows-based PCs, laptops and portable devices, Vongo subscribers can also transfer their Vongo content onto a TV for optimal viewing. Vongo was launched at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show and was nominated for two Emmy Awards this past year. Vongo is currently offering a 14-day free trial and is available as a free download for broadband subscribers in the United States at www.vongo.com.

As one of the largest content aggregators in Hollywood, Starz Entertainment has access to thousands of theatrical films that it makes available on Vongo including The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Flightplan, Sin City, National Treasure, The Aviator, Hitch, The Incredibles, Bewitched, Fun with Dick and Jane, and Chicken Little. Coming in 2007 to Vongo subscribers includes, The Da Vinci Code, Cars, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

Starz Entertainment is the exclusive subscription provider of first-run output, classic and favorite films from leading Hollywood studios including Walt Disney Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Overture Films, Revolution Studios, Miramax Films, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Pixar, TriStar, Screen Gems, Sony Classics, Samuel Goldwyn and Warren Miller Films. Select first-run theatrical films from The Weinstein Company and IFC are also available, and a vast collection of library and classic titles are provided by a wide array of other Hollywood studios.

Additional programming available to Vongo subscribers includes full-length music concerts (Sheryl Crow: Live from London, No Doubt: Rock Steady Live Concert, Wyclef Jean's All Star Jam at Carnegie Hall, The Who Live: Isle of Wight Festival, Bon Jovi: Live from London, Outkast: Dare To Be Different, Snow Patrol: Live from Somerset House, Beyonce: Unauthorized), TV series (The Green Hornet, The Rifleman, Edgemont) and extreme sports (Warren Miller's Higher Ground, Real Action Sports, Ride Guide).