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DirecTV more than talking about VOD

by on17 March 2008


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Finally starting to test video on demand services


Being able to provide Video On Demand (VOD) services is a challenge for any satellite TV provider, as in the past this technology has not really lent itself well to applications like VOD. DirecTV has been talking about VOD services that allow customers to select content and have the ability to watch what they want, when they want. DirecTV is doing more than talking about VOD; they are going to be the first satellite provider to launch a VOD service platform.

What makes the DirecTV solution unique is that it not only leverages the power of DirecTV’s satellite technology, but it also incorporates the use of both the digital video recorder and broadband into the mix. Of course, as with everything DirecTV over the years, in order to take advantage of the new VOD technology you must have one of the new DirecTV DVRs that offer broadband connectivity as well as a high speed broadband connection if you want to get the most out of the new DirecTV VOD service.

At first, DirecTV will only be offering the VOD service to a selected group of testers until they are ready for a full roll out. Beyond saying that, the VOD services should be available to the majority of DirecTV subscribers during the second quarter of 2008; no specifics on the roll out plan have been released.

While this appears to be about the only solution for DirecTV to provide VOD services, it does seem a costly route to go considering that you have to have a high speed Internet broadband connection in addition to the satellite bill. With all of the bundling that is going on with the cable companies, would this not be a better route for a lot of people to follow?

Last modified on 17 March 2008
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