COMPETITIVE WATCH: MSO Expands with Starz HD, SVOD

[Gregg Lengling]

Mediacom and Starz Encore signed an affiliation and carriage agreement that adds the Starz! HD high-def service and Starz On Demand subscription video-on-demand movie service to the MSO's digital cable lineup. Beginning in May, Mediacom plans to launch the Starz package in all its systems, with HD and SVOD services in systems that have the necessary capabilities. The become HD and SVOD enabled.

Comcast Goes Online with Scripps Content - On Monday, Comcast and Scripps Networks announced the launch of content from Scripps' popular lifestyle television networks on Comcast's "The Fan" broadband multimedia player. The deal makes the latest programming from Home and Garden Television (HGTV), Food Network, DIY - Do It Yourself Network accessible to Comcast's high-speed Internet customers.