DUBAI, 16 May 2006 -- Showtime yesterday officially launched its new Platinum package, offering viewers a "VIP status."

"With the new Platinum package, subscribers will enjoy all 50 Showtime channels, unlimited access to home cinema movies, a second subscription, access to the Platinum hotline and a Platinum privilege card offering a variety of added value benefits," Showtime President and CEO Peter Einstein told a press conference at the prestigious Burj Al Arab.

Visiting journalists from all over the Middle East and Gulf region were flown by helicopter from the helipad near the Novotel Hotel to Burj Al Arab, with a view to giving them an aerial view of Dubai's spectacular developments. "The Platinum package complements the new bouquet of program packages that Showtime has just launched and is designed to provide greater flexibility for viewers," Einstein said. The new options are Kids and Knowledge, Lifestyle, Sports and Variety, and Movies Premiere.

"Showtime Arabia is committed to continually enhancing its offering and delivering on the promise of 'see it first and see it all.' The new Platinum package provides additional convenience and control with the second subscription, as well as unlimited access to Home Cinema movies. Platinum will be the VIP choice for customers, giving them the option to get everything they want and more," he added.

The advantage of Platinum subscribers is that they no longer have to battle out which program they're going to watch, or who controls the TV remote. Subscribers are able to view programs in two separate rooms, with their free second subscription catering to the whole family's entertainment preferences. "In this way, the latest moves and the latest series can be watched simultaneously."

Platinum subscribers who also choose the Showbox DVR will have everything at their fingertips with the options of being able to pause live TV, watch their favorite bits again through the rewind function, and re-live that last-minute important goal with the replay and show motion buttons.

Einstein said Showtime Arabia had emerged as a premier pay-TV network in the MENA region. He claimed a 50 percent share of the market. "We continue to attract new subscribers because of the bouquet of quality channels we offer," he said. Also, he added, Showtime is aimed at launching new packages that are replacing the existing ones.

"Showtime's latest packages redesigned to offer our subscribers more control and more choice as well as more overall value for their subscription," Einstein said.

"It also offers a new, premium level of entertainment with the comprehensive Platinum package," he added. The new packages are a choice of 1, 2 or 3 of the thematic channel combinations, namely Kids and Knowledge, Sports and Variety and Lifestyle. In addition, all channels can be found in the Movies Premiere package.

By K.S. Ramkumar

© Arab News 2006