Astral Media Inc., Canada’s leading broadcaster of premium pay and specialty television services, announced today that starting December 15, 2010, Videotron subscribers of TMN, HBO Canada, Family Channel and Playhouse Disney will have access to English-language movies and series from these networks as part of their illico on Demand service, at no extra cost.

“Astral is focused on bringing subscribers a unique entertainment proposition that is based on strong value, premium content and best-in-class technology,” said Domenic Vivolo, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Astral Television Networks. “Delivering our content across multiple platforms is a key priority for us and we have already experienced the positive effect that the on-demand platform can have on our business and on the customer experience. We are excited to bring our unique content to the illico on Demand service, enabling subscribers to watch the branded content and acclaimed Canadian programming that distinguishes our channels in the marketplace.”

Starting December 15, Videotron subscribers can access full seasons of hit series on illico on Demand, including HBO titles such as Boardwalk Empire, Eastbound and Down, Bored to Death, The Ricky Gervais Show and In Treatment and Showtime series such as Dexter and Californication. Customers will also have access to Hollywood movies from TMN, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Killers and Cooking with Stella.

Through the Family and Playhouse Disney on-demand offering, kids and families will have access to a rich slate of Disney programming including tween series such as Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life on Deck and Phineas and Ferb and programming for younger children such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Imagination Movers.

The addition of this English-language content builds on the recent announcement that programming from Astral’s Super Écran network will also be available on illico on Demand, and reflects Astral and Videotron’s expanding, ongoing partnership to bring robust content to all platforms including linear, on demand and online.