Showtime launches SMS text service for ordering Home Cinema pay-per-view movies

The service is the first application of SMS text technology in the pay-television industry and is the quickest, simplest way for subscribers to order and purchase movies and events broadcast on the network's Home Cinema™ pay-per-view multiplex channels.

Michael Smith, Showtime marketing director, commented: "This new service is simple, fast and efficient. It gives our subscribers the convenience of ordering their personal Home Cinema™ movie selections without needing to call one of our regional contact centres.

The service is another example of Showtime using its leading-edge technological capabilities to offer practical applications that further enhance customer convenience.

To use the service, subscribers simply register their mobile telephone number with Showtime. The television network then links the mobile number to the individual subscriber's Showtime smart card number, giving the subscriber the freedom to immediately order Home Cinema™ movies and events by SMS text.

To order a movie using the service, the subscriber makes his movie selection and simply texts the unique three digit order code for the selected movie to the special Showtime Home Cinema™ Text order line. The selected movie is activated in minutes as long as there are credits in the subscriber's Home Cinema™ account or payment is authorized via credit card.

Mr Smith said: "The service further enhances the value of the Home Cinema™ blockbuster movie service because it adds a greater degree of impulse to the purchase.

Viewers have even greater flexibility to watch the film they want to watch, when they want to watch it."

To register their mobile phone for the Home Cinema™ Text service, Showtime subscribers must text their 11 digit smart card number (without spaces and hyphens) to +971 50 357 5111. They will receive a regoistration confirmation by SMS text.

Showtime viewers should refer to the Home Cinema™ schedule grid in the monthly TV Guide or tune to the Home Cinema™ Preview channel to make their movie selection and find the correct three digit text order code.