Universal Pictures has announced plans to launch a new movie download service in the UK.

The service, launching on April 10, will allow users to download two copies of a film - one for a computer and another for a portable device, excluding the iPod - complemented by a DVD hard copy through the post.

Unlike videos offered by many download services, Universal's downloads will not expire after a fixed period. The cost will be comparable to the retail price of a DVD, with prices ranging between £9.99 and £19.99.

A collection of around 35 movies will be on offer at launch, including recent hits King Kong, Serenity and Pride & Prejudice, but will expand to a catalogue of around 6,500 films "within months".

NBC Universal's extensive archive of TV programmes is also expected to be added to the service shortly after launch, most likely beginning with the US version of The Office.