GMA Network subsidiary set to launch Internet TV service

MANILA, Philippines - A subsidiary of leading broadcast company GMA Network Inc. will be launching an Internet TV or Video-on-Demand service in a bid to deliver its programs to overseas Filipinos. In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, GMA said, GMA New Media’s MyGMA "will compete head on " with its rival ABS-CBN's TFC Now. The new product will be launched on September 12. "MyGMA will be the medium that will bring its high quality programs to thousands of overseas Filipinos who may not have the circumstance to subscribe to a cable or direct-to-home channel," the statement said. "MyGMA can deliver video on demand on a time-shifted basis. For a Filipino working abroad whose schedule conflict with primetime, access to GMA primetime shows at any time of the day is made possible with this Internet service. MyGMA is GMA's Internet channel where GMA shows can be viewed using a PC with broadband connection anytime and anywhere," the statement added. Choices will vary from sports programs to live events, from independent films to music videos. It will also carry programs from GMA and QTV and movies from GMA Films and other film companies. Access to MyGMA will be in several packages. Package 1 allows a 30-day access to GMA entertainment shows, news programs, and television series including archives recorded in the past three months from the day of subscription. Package 2 will include QTV productions to Package 1. A Day pass, which will provide users access to GMA programs for one day, is also available. There are also add-ons of pay per view shows, television series, and choices of specific programs. Web currency for purchase of MyGMA products is available in denominations of $5 and $10. "MyGMA represents the third and last installment of GMA's internet play, which already includes leading websites GMANews.TV and iGMA.TV for entertainment," the company said. GMANews.TV GMANews.TV is the official website of the News and Public Affairs Department of GMA Network.