Shaw Communications is starting to put its newly acquired content division, Shaw Media, to work this week with the launch of a new online video library.

Shaw Direct Online VOD debuted Tuesday, allowing customers of the satellite service to access movies and Shaw Media programming online via a password-protected website.

TV programming available on the service includes shows from channels such as HGTV, Food Network Canada, History Channel and Movie Central (for subscribers of the channel). Movies from Universal Studios, Maple Pictures and MGM are also available.

The launch of the Online VOD service is the first step in Shaw’s cross-platform content strategy, Peter Bissonnette, president, Shaw Communications, said in a release.

“Shaw Direct’s new Online VOD library is only the beginning of our continual commitment to deliver full-access on-demand content to our customers, so they can experience exceptional entertainment anywhere in Canada,” said Bissonnette.

From Media in Canada.