Canadian cable MSO, Shaw Communications, announced plans Friday to offer over 600 episodes of the seminal sci-fi franchise, "Star Trek"--including re-mastered high-definition episodes of the original "Star Trek" series--on its VOD service between May and July, following a deal with CBS Paramount International Television (note: the latest movie in the "Star Trek" franchise, entitled simply "Star Trek" and directed by JJ Abrams, will be released in theaters May 7th). According to the operator, each "Star Trek" series covered by the deal will be available on the service for six months. "Shaw is going where no one has gone before," Shaw president, Peter Bissonnette, said in a prepared statement. "We will be offering 'Star Trek,' the original series, and 'Star Trek: Enterprise' series in full HD. Now 'Star Trek' fans will be able to watch their favorite episodes with new clarity. We are excited to bring an energized group like 'Star Trek' fans the opportunity to watch the entire armada of the televised series on VOD. And there has never been an easier or more economical time to upgrade to digital with our rental programs for DCT's and HD boxes. Just call our customer care teams and say, 'Beam Me Up Scotty!' They'll know what you mean."
According to Shaw, each episode will be available for rental for a 24-hour window. Customers will also have the option of renting an entire season of episodes via a "Season Pass" promotion that will provide them with a 30-day viewing window. The original "Star Trek" launched on Shaw's VOD service May 1st, and the operator says that subsequent series will launch approximately every two weeks.
