New pay-per-view (PPV) arthouse movie operator digital broadcasting company (dbc) has confirmed plans to launch its first services on BSkyB's digital platform this summer.

As reported in Broadcast last year (24.7.98), the

New pay-per-view (PPV) arthouse movie operator digital broadcasting company (dbc) has confirmed plans to launch its first services on BSkyB's digital platform this summer.

As reported in Broadcast last year (24.7.98), the new service will kick off with 12 channels showing cult, classic and independent movies.

Backed by Pearson Television and Deutsche Bank, which came on board at the end of 1998, dbc is expected to provide serious competition to Channel 4's rival pay-TV channel, FilmFour. The new entrant has signed deals with 15 distributors, including Universal Studios Pay Television, giving it access to around 400 films.

Headed by former BSkyB finance director Richard Brooke, the new service aims to give UK TV premieres to films from Hollywood studios and independent producers. New films will be priced at£2.99 per subscriber, with classic and library movies at£1.99.

Brooke said: 'We believe this will be very competitive. PPV rights generally start six months before pay-TV rights. Customers only pay when they watch.'