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SimulTV Launches Social Anime Streaming Service (Updated)
posted on by Crystalyn Hodgkins
The media provider SimulTV announced on Thursday that it has launched a new social anime video-on-demand streaming service. The "social TV everywhere" service will allow viewers to stream anime on "any web-enabled device." The service will feature a built-in voice, video, and text chat function, will have an online search bar embedded on the viewing screen, and users can also use Twitter and Facebook on the same screen while watching the shows. Users can also add other apps as plug-ins, such as Gmail, Yahoo, or LinkedIn.
The service will stream the children's sci-fi adventure CG anime film Happening Star. SimulTV noted it will expand its library to include more than 500 episodes of 40 anime titles. The episodes will be available for US$0.99-US$2.99 each. SimulTV also features subscription packages that range from US$5 to US$20 per month. SimulTV's subscription package allows users to watch 37 cable TV channels as well as other non-anime video-on-demand titles. SimulTV will also allow users to buy DVDs of select anime series directly from their viewing screen.
SimulTV will also livestream events from this year's Anime Expo, including industry panels, performances by Cell, Kaya, and Moonstream, the opening and closing ceremonies, and fashion shows. Anime Expo will be held from July 4-7 in Los Angeles. Those who purchase a subscription during Anime Expo either online or by using a QR code in the SimulTV screening room in room 405 at the convention, will receive a free 14-day subscription.
Chihiro Matsumoto's independent CG film Happening Star takes place 46 million light years away from Earth in the Sombrero Galaxy on a planet named Milky. The alien boy Kid, who refers to himself as "Space's #1 Pilot," uses a "Power Crystal" to modify his spaceship and travel through dimensions. Matsumoto produced, directed, and wrote the screenplay for the 48-minute film with music from Makoto Shozu and TATSUKI Tsuboi. The film starred Romi Park, Aki Toyosaki, Halko Momoi, Ichirō Nagai, Keiko Zaitsu, Takamichi Murashima, and Emi Morooka. The film was distributed at the Sunshine Creation doujinshi event in January 2012.
Update: Removed mention of three SimulTV anime launch titles per company's request.
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