Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday unveiled a tie-up that brings a video-on-demand service closer to its MSN network, underscoring a push to expand its entertainment offerings to lure users to faster Web services. The announcement comes a day after Microsoft signed high-speed Web access deals to offer MSN over digital subscriber lines (DSL) through partnerships with Verizon Communications VZ.N, BellSouth Corp. BLS.N and SBC Communications Inc. SBC.N. Under the deal, Intertainer, a privately held Culver City, California-based company in which Microsoft is an investor, will roll out its video-on-demand service to 35 major U.S. markets as of Wednesday, up from six. Microsoft, meanwhile, will begin featuring Intertainer, which offers thousands of Hollywood films, TV shows, music videos, as part of its MSN Entertainment offerings as of Oct. 25.
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