An internet movie subscription service is due to be launched by RealNetworks and Starz which will allow users to download movies over the internet.

The service will cost $12.95 a month and gives viewers access to about 100 movies. Movies can be viewed an unlimited number of times while they are part of Starz's current roster of films, but the movie is then deleted from the hard drive when the company no longer carries it.

The service has been launched 18 months after it was originally announced, the delay due to the availability and adoption of high speed connections, plus the fact that the market is more ripe now for such an undertaking.

Similar services are already on offer from other companies such as Movielink and CinemaNow.