Now there’s a new streaming video service available to Canadians and it might actually make you take notice.
Shomi-BestofToronto-2014-001

Yes, you probably have Netflix, but Shomi takes on a different approach. It starts with the premise that it’s made by entertainment lovers for entertainment lovers.

And it’s also backed by Canadian network giants, Rogers and Shaw.

I was part of a lucky group to get to preview Shomi hands-on while staying overnight at the Hazelton Hotel.

Getting right into it, some interesting features of Shomi:

  • Various content with networks such as BBC which includes The Blacklist, Doctor Who, Top Gear, A Young Doctor’s Notebook
  • Trailer previews: built right in, no need to look elsewhere to get a sample of what you’re about to watch
  • Collections: Curated list of videos by experts (directors, screenwriters, festival programmers and more): I’ve paraphrased it as Netflix with curated collections like Songza does for streaming music. But you can curate your own collections as well.
  • A User friendly visual interface
  • Profiles for up to 6 people

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
So when is it available? It’s available this first week of November to Rogers and Shaw internet or TV customers in a limited beta release in this first phase. Pricing is on par with Netflix at $8.99/month from month to month.

The biggest question about whether it will make it or not will ultimately come down to content. That’s yet to be determined and we’ll just have to wait and see as Shomi grows out of beta.

For more info and to find out how soon you can have it, visit www.shomi.com

Here’s a few of my photos from the Shomi launch party at the Fermenting Cellar at the Distillery District.

A delicious take on brunch at Linda Modern Thai
All work and all play at TIFF's Stanley Kubrick themed BOOMBOX event

Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net