Unicorn Media, Cypress and Screen Media Ventures, LLC, Deliver Popcornflix, An Ad-Supported Free Movie App on Xbox LIVE

TEMPE, Ariz., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Unicorn Media, a leading Internet video solutions provider, today announced that the company is working with Cypress and Screen Media Ventures, LLC to enable a seamless viewing experience and content monetization opportunities via Xbox LIVE, the top connected gaming system with 46 million subscribers. Cypress is a digital agency that creates apps that provide interactive experiences across mobile platforms and gaming consoles. Screen Media Ventures, LLC developed and owns Popcornflix.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130520/CG15736)

Unicorn Media enables Screen Media to ingest one video file, one time and deliver that content to the Xbox 360 via a single URL- with no SDK or plug-in required via its patented Unicorn Once™ technology. Unicorn Once™ optimizes a single mezzanine file, detects network conditions and re-packages the file on-the-fly to deliver the most efficient format for delivery to Xbox360.

Cypress, in conjunction with Screen Media Ventures, developed the Popcornflix Xbox LIVE app using CypressX, its licensed application framework. All ad units adhere to Microsoft standards and are displayed via the Microsoft Advertising platform. Users can "favorite" videos, pick up where they left off when viewing content. Due to a flexible design from Cypress, the app uses data from Screen Media's existing feed structures and can be quickly updated and maintained without recertifying the application on Xbox, which significantly streamlines Screen Media's workflow.

"With more than 76 million Xbox 360 consoles sold and a growing Xbox LIVE subscriber base, the Xbox experience shows that gaming console communities are a major market for content publishers," said Bill Rinehart, Unicorn Media founder and CEO. "We're pleased to work with Cypress and Screen Media Ventures to deliver movies to Xbox LIVE subscribers.

"Unicorn Media's streaming technology, combined with our CypressX product, allow us to deliver the right solution for Screen Media," noted Nate Thompson, founder and CEO of Cypress. "We are excited to see Popcornflix available in the Xbox Marketplace with a compelling and engaging experience we hope consumers will enjoy."  

"With Cypress and Unicorn Media we have built a comprehensive, simple streaming video solution," said Gary Delfiner, President, Screen Media Digital. "The Xbox LIVE app is a key part of bringing Popcornflix to users everywhere."

Find out more about Cypress at http://www.cypressisdigital.com. Learn more about Screen Media at http://www.screenmedia.net/index.html. Discover more about Unicorn Media at www.unicornmedia.com.

About Cypress
Cypress is a digital agency and development firm that creates seamless interactive experiences across any screen – web, mobile, tablet, console and Connected TV. Our CypressX product helps media and entertainment companies launch differentiated apps quickly on the Xbox LIVE platform. We partner with leading brands to design and develop their transmedia strategies for digital video, multi-screen and E-commerce. Cypress develops solutions on the leading mobile and entertainment platforms including iOS, Android and Xbox, in addition to Microsoft technologies such as Windows 8. We combine compelling design with deep technical expertise to deliver award-winning applications for our clients. Clients of Cypress include startups, media & entertainment and Fortune 100 companies such as adidas, Amazon.com, Disney, FOX Broadcasting Company, Kohler, the National Basketball Association (NBA), Russell Investments and Sony Pictures. Founded in 2001, Cypress is privately held and headquartered in Seattle, WA.

About Screen Media Ventures
Screen Media Ventures, LLC, a leading global independent motion picture distribution company with a broad distribution network that includes US and international theatrical, home video, television, cable and new media distribution, with one of the largest independently owned motion picture libraries in the world. In 2011, Screen Media launched its wholly-owned ad-supported streaming channel Popcornflix, which is now available on multiple platforms in the U,S.A, and expanding throughout the world. The Company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in New York City.

About Unicorn Media, Inc.
Unicorn Media, Inc. is the leading provider of Internet video solutions that enable companies to maximize IP video profitability for live and VOD content. Our patented technology, Unicorn OnceVOD™, allows customers to ingest video content one time and deliver it to every Internet-connected device via a single URL. OnceVOD™ and OnceLIVE™ allow content owners to monetize their content on any device by dynamically inserting targeted ads and analyzing content and ad performance in real-time on every platform, allowing for on-the-fly changes to maximize profitability.

SOURCE Unicorn Media, Inc.