An interesting report via Reuters this weekend claims that Apple could currently be in talks with movie-streaming service EPIX, over the possible future integration of the service in relation to both the Apple TV and Apple’s rumored television set.
Citing “two people with knowledge of the negotiations,” the news outlet notes that EPIX – (originally created by three media giants – Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, MGM and Paramount Pictures), currently holds an agreement with Netflix, a deal which constitutes the firm paying out $200 Million per year in order to stream EPIX’s exclusive collection of movies to its 23.5 Million customers across the U.S.
Apple, which now sells a $99 set-top box that hooks up to a television set and lets users stream online content from Netflix and the MLB channel, opened discussions with three-year-old EPIX, created by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, MGM and Viacom’s Paramount Pictures.
One of the sources told Reuters that any discussions would apply to its set-top box and also to upcoming devices that stream content.
With that deal expected to end this September, Reuters highlights that the rumored deal with Apple and EPIX could become quite “complicated,” especially given Netflix currently comes bundled with Apple’s current Apple TV set-top box.
Unsurprisingly, when asked for comment on the recent rumors, Apple declined, reportedly referring to the report as “speculation.” Meanwhile, a spokesman from Netflix also had no immediate comment, and a spokesman speaking on behalf of EPIX also had no comment to give on the matter.
Apple is highly-expected to unveil its long-rumored television set (iPanel?), sometime this Summer.
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