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HIDIVE Announces Launch Out of Beta, New Pricing Plan

Anime streaming service HIDIVE announced on Thursday that it is launching out of beta and adopting a new single-pricing plan of US$4.99 per month. The new price will take effect on April 9, and it will include up to two concurrent streams and a resolution of 1080p.

Those who subscribe before the price change on April 9 will be able to keep the current monthly price of US$3.99 for the next two years.

The service is currently priced at US$3.99 per month as an introductory price, but subscribers can add up to two simultaneous streams for an extra US$1 each per month, and the 1080p resolution for another US$1 per month. Starting March 26, both the simultaneous streams and high-quality video will be added at no extra charge to the plans of anyone currently paying US$3.99 per month. On this date, those who are paying extra for the add-ons will have their subscription fees reduced to US$3.99.

HIDIVE also announced that it will begin streaming the English dub of Food Wars! The Second Plate on March 13. All 13 episodes will available at once in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, and "other select territories."

The HIDIVE streaming service launched last June after acquiring assets previously held by Anime Network Online. The service has primarily streamed titles — including simulcasts and English dubs — that are licensed for home video by Section23 Films and its subsidiary Sentai Filmworks, though it has also added some older titles such as Space Runaway Ideon, Xabungle, and the live-action Lone Wolf and Cub series. Sentai Filmworks president and CEO John Ledford is also the founder and president of HIDIVE.

HIDIVE has since released apps for iOS and Android devices.