Tag: STARZ
This section focuses on providing useful information on the services provided by STARZ. STARZ (from here on, Starz) is a premium cable network that offers a selection of motion pictures and original TV shows. Starz’s main office is in the Meridian International Business Center, Colorado. Their slogan is “Obsessable” which implies that they have binge-worthy show and movies to keep customers “obsessed”.
Depending on your service provider, Starz serves up to twelve multiplex channels – six 24-hour multiplex channels, all of which are simulcast in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) – as well as a subscription video-on-demand service called Starz On Demand.
You can access Starz in different ways. The most common way is through your cable provider. However, there are several other ways to stream Starz even if you do not have or want cable. Some popular methods are through Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and through their stream on-demand app, Starz (formerly Starz Play). Starz Play was the primary method used to stream Starz on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
The app was also available to Starz subscribers of Verizon FIOS, AT&T U-verse, Cox Communications, Xfinity by Comcast and DirecTV but it was later merged with Starz.com on April 5, 2016. The new Starz app replaced Starz Play. However, PlayStation 4 users lost access to a dedicated app and instead had to opt to subscribe through PlayStation Vue or third-party streaming service to be able to watch Starz on PS4 consoles.
The new Starz app allows subscribers to sign in and stream content on demand. Starz offers a free 7-day trial and you can cancel your subscription at any time. At the time of writing, the only cable provider that does not allow you to connect with the Starz app is Comcast. The Starz app allows for offline playback, so users can download and stream content without an internet connection.
Other than that, you can directly subscribe to Starz via their website and use your credentials to log in to Starz on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Android, and iOS and other supported devices. However, there are steps that you have to take to activate Starz before streaming on third-party devices. The Starz help center is also available 24/7 to offer assistance with any of their services.
Starz costs $8.99 per month as an add-on via Amazon Video and Hulu (both offer a free trial). The price the same if you subscribe directly. Netflix subscribers, despite previous hiccups between Starz and Netflix, also have access to some shows like Outlander and Power at no extra cost.
Comcast and STARZ Dispute
An ongoing dispute between Starz and Comcast could see the cable company dropping the network from its lineup. Comcast and Starz are currently unable to reach a deal with Comcast planning to replace Starz with Epix come December 2019. Comcast plans to offer Starz as a stand-alone package which will see customers paying an extra $12 to access shows like Power and Outlander (more info below).
StarzPlay App
To roll out its premium pay-TV brand Starz into the global marketplace, Lionsgate launched the Starzplay app. Starzplay branded channels are available in the UK and Germany on Amazon Prime Video. Starz original drama series Vida and Sweetbitter, both of which debuted in the US on May 6, are available. Older series like Boss, Survivor’s Remorse and the Royals are already available. All future Starz originals will be released on the same day they launch in the US.
How Much Does Starz Cost?
STARZ costs $8.99 and $13.99 a month and the price depends on where you subscribe. For example, when you subscribe through the STARZ app directly from STARZ, you pay $8.99 a month.
If you add STARZ to DirecTV/AT&T TV you pay $13.99 a month. The cost also varies per the different cable companies. Amazon Prime members can subscribe to STARZ with Amazon Channels which allows users to watch wherever they watch Prime Videos. You can see a price breakdown for various platforms here.
Free Starz Trial
You can sign up for a free STARZ trial if you subscribe through the app, Hulu, SlingTV, YouTube TV, or through Amazon Channels, etc. It’s a free seven-day trial, just enough to get a taste of what the network has to offer. You can read more about how to get it here.
How Many Devices Can You Watch STARZ On?
With a paid or trial subscription, you can watch Starz on up to four of the supported devices at the same time. You can also pause on one device and pick up where you left off on another device. For example, you can move from your TV to your tablet or smartphone with no issues in playback. You can manage devices just as easily with your subscription.
Supported Devices
iPhone, iPad, & iPod running iOS8 or greater
Android Devices Running Android 4.0.3 or higher
2014 and newer Kindle Fire tablets running Fire OS 5 or greater
All Kindle Fire Phones
4th Gen Apple TV
Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick
Nexus Player
NVIDIA Shield
Razer Forge
2nd Gen Roku 2,3, and 4
Roku Stick
Xbox One and One S
Xbox 360
Select 2014 and newer Sony TVs running Android 5 or greater
Select 2014 Samsung Smart TVs with Smart Hub
Microsoft Windows 7 or newer
Apple OSX 10.5.7 or newer
How To Download Episodes On Starz?
You can download TV shows and movies for offline viewing through the Starz app but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. They are:
Downloading is only available on select Android and iOS phones and tablets
Some titles are not available for download
International viewing restrictions apply
Downloaded movies and TV shows will auto delete 2 weeks after you initially downloaded
Titles will also auto-delete if the title goes out of its licensing window