Five Launches VOD Service

Five has launched its video-on-demand (VOD) service, Five Download, offering new episodes of the current series of CSI:Miami, a full week before transmission.

The VOD service also offers exclusive online access to the most recent series of CSI:Crime Scene Investigation; CSI:NY and CSI:Miami, with eventually the entire CSI back catalogue becoming available.

Five has partnered with BT Media & Broadcast to develop the VOD service, which forms part of the five.tv website.

The service offers full length episodes downloadable via broadband to PC users with viewers able to watch their chosen programmes an unlimited number of times for a full 14 days following download.

The new service is being promoted on-air around the CSI franchise on both Five and the new Five US channel, along with a trade advertising campaign.

The VOD service launches just days before Five’s two new digital channels, Five Life and Five US begin broadcasting. They launch on October 15 and October 16 respectively (see Five To Launch Two New Channels).

Jane Lighting, Five’s chief executive, said: “Five Download is an important part of Five’s digital media strategy. I’m delighted that we are launching the service with CSI enabling us to offer the highest quality content to viewers with a viewing window which exceeds anything currently in the marketplace.”

Ted Riley, executive managing director, international content distribution, Alliance Atlantis, said: “Alliance Atlantis is thrilled to be taking our partnership with Five to the next level.

“The first-ever CSI Franchise VOD service outside the US, is both a thrilling proposition for UK fans and heralds the roll-out of other new media opportunities for this fantastic franchise internationally.”

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv