DNA 2002 Plc, a leading home entertainment distributor, is diversifying into video-on-demand (VOD) services, seen as the next big thing in the industry.
The MAI-listed company has set up Primetime Entertainment Co to oversee VOD services. It holds 70% in the subsidiary, with the rest held by Kasidit Kolasastraseni, Primetime's chief executive.
Kasidit: Blockbusters streamed in HD
Primetime will provide VOD on both application and website platforms with a lot of Western content including more than 1,000 films and 2,000 series a year from Walt Disney, Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures.
Films and series will be provided in full high definition (HD) for the first time in Thailand. The company plans to provide ultra HD technology in the near future.
Mr Kasidit began his own VOD service, Hollywood HD TV, last year. It has become Primetime under the collaboration with DNA 2002 due to the latter's financial strength and content expertise. Mr Kasidit's team is responsible for technical issues.
He said this partnership and other ones with Comseven, LG and CTH would transform home entertainment into digital content and platforms. This evolution has already taken place in the US with the domination of on-demand streaming operator Netflix.
Primetime will stream blockbusters three months after their premieres, while subscribers can watch the latest episode of US series in real time.
"We trust in the innovation of viewing, excellent service and affordable prices because they will help tackle the piracy problem that has always been a big obstacle to Thailand's content industry," said Mr Kasidit.
Subscription fees are 199 baht a month for unlimited access to hit films, 299 baht a month for a new films and film buffet package, 299 baht for a series buffet package and 549 baht for a combo package.
Samart Chuasiriphattana, managing director of DNA 2002, said it would pay less attention to home entertainment and focus more on online streaming.