[CMA TV] C4 to launch VoD service on 6 December

[Michelle McGuire]

C4 to launch VoD service on 6 December
Matthew Hemley


Channel 4 will launch its video-on-demand service next month  
providing more than 500 hours of archive content for as little as 99p  
per programme.

The 4oD service goes live on 6 December and will offer downloads to a  
PC of programmes such as Trigger Happy TV and Drop the Dead Donkey  
after C4 secured the rights via more than 100 deals with indies.  
Since June, any content originally commissioned in the UK by C4 will  
automatically be available on 4oD.

C4 claimed it would be the first UK broadcaster to make all its home- 
grown programming available on demand. The service also offers catch- 
up on an initial 50 hours of programmes a week for up to 30 days  
after original transmission.

TV programmes will cost 99p and films £1.99 and content can be stored  
in a personal library until it is viewed. It will then be available  
for unlimited viewings for 48 hours before being wiped.

Subscription packages will be introduced next year, offering all TV  
content for £3.99 a month, films for £4.99 or both for £5.99.

4oD will offer two free pieces of content a month, which will carry  
ads next spring. It is yet to decide whether paid-for content will  
carry ads.
C4 head of channel and VoD development Sarah Rose said adding non C4- 
content was likely in the future and that 4oD should break even  
within five years.

C4 has also signed a deal to provide on-demand content on IPTV  
platform BT Vision, which will launch later this year.
C4 programming is also available on demand across the NTL Telewest  
cable platform.
-

Source: Broadcastnow - http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/ 
broadcastnowarticle.aspx?intStoryID=165477




Michelle McGuire
Editor, Airflash Magazine
Communications Officer
http://www.commedia.org.uk

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