A group of US cable networks has launched a new subscription streaming service focused on entertainment, lifestyle and knowledge programming. The Philo service, priced at USD 16 a month, notably does not include sports programming.
The main partners are A+E Networks, AMC Networks, Discovery, Scripps Networks and Viacom, which offer the channels A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, AXS TV, BBC America, Cheddar, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Food Network, GSN, HGTV, HISTORY, Investigation Discovery (ID), IFC, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, TLC and Travel Channel, among others.
The basic Philo package comes with live and on-demand access to 37 channels, and customers can add another nine channels for an extra USD 4 per month. The first week of the service is free, and users can register with just a phone number. Philo also includes the ability to record an unlimited amount of programmes and watch for 30 days, live pause, restart programmes from the beginning, 3-day catch-up and an extensive VoD library.
At launch, Philo supports web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), Roku devices, an iOS app, and Android via Chrome (app coming soon), with more platforms to come. Customers can watch on up to three devices at a time.
Philo first started as a TV service for university campuses. Its investors have included New Enterprise Associates, Rho Ventures, Xfund, HBO, Mark Cuban’s Radical Investments, WME and CBC New Media Group
