Shomi, a Canadian Alternative to Netflix, Launches in Beta Today

Subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service Netflix just got a new competitor. Shomi, a streaming service owned by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications, is launching in beta today in Canada.

Shomi currently offers around 1,200 hours of movies and TV shows, but is heavier with TV shows. Rogers and Shaw customers who sign up for the beta service can get 30 days free. After that, it costs $8.99 per month, which is a dollar more than Netflix charges. Its backers are hoping Shomi will appeal to viewers who find that Netflix Canada lacks much of the premium content of the U.S. Netflix.

At launch, Shomi is only available to Rogers and Shaw customers, who can access it through set-top boxes, Xbox 360 consoles, iOS and Android apps, and web browsers. Rogers and Shaw plan to expand availability over time.

In recent weeks, Shomi has announced content deals with BBC Worldwide North America, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. International Television, and Starz Digital Media.

Soon, Shomi will have more than Netflix to worry about. Canada's Bell Media announced last week that it plans to launch a streaming service with only television content. Code-named "Project Latte," the service will be heavy with HBO originals, including The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and Six Feet Under.