UK cable companies NTL and Telewest Communications have both announced plans to roll out video-on-demand (VOD) services across their TV franchises. The VOD system allows viewers to choose exactly when they want to watch a film or programme, which is then delivered to their home via cable at that time. As VOD is developed, the notion of a television ‘schedule’ may become less important for viewers, as they pick and choose from a library of material at times which suit them.
NTL has signed an agreement with DIVA UK, which is already successfully operating VOD systems in the US. NTL will commercially deploy its VOD service in its UK franchises from mid-2000. As part of the digital system, VOD allows the pause, fast-forward and rewind of programmes. NTL is to charge around £3 per VOD film; customers will have access to a library of 250 to 300 films at any one time.
Meanwhile, NTL’s rival, Telewest, has today announced plans to trial its VOD services in over 20,000 homes, beginning early next year. Telewest is to offer viewers a selection of around 1,000 hours’ worth of films and programmes on its digital service, which launches in November this year. Technology for the system is being supplied by SeaChange International and nCUBE.
Telewest’s managing director for product development, Peter Hall, said: “We are gearing up for a very rapid roll-out of broadband digital services. The ability to get what you want and do what you want when you want to, will be a key feature of the digital age.”
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