| Video on Demand (VOD) systems are revolutionizing | | | | to tape shows/movies even while watching another |
| home television viewing for consumers. Such systems | | | | pre-recorded show. Recorded content of course, can |
| personalize the viewing experience by allowing users | | | | be copied onto videotape or DVD for archiving if |
| to create their own schedule of their favorite movies | | | | desired. Other features include the ability to pause, |
| and programming, freeing them from schedules | | | | rewind, and fast forward live TV programming. The |
| created by networks and channels. The most recent | | | | Dish Network DVR allows the viewer to skip |
| JD Power & Associates survey however, | | | | commercials by selecting a 30 second "skip" option or |
| indicates that consumer use of VOD has not yet | | | | to instantly replay scenes by selecting a 10 second |
| reached its current capacity, as only 21% of viewers | | | | "skip back" option. In addition, the DVR gives viewers |
| indicated that they had ordered a VOD service in | | | | an on screen program guide complete with program |
| 2005. Lack of awareness about the benefits and | | | | descriptions, times, and titles. |
| availability of Video on Demand and perhaps | | | | DVR equipment is approximately the size of a VHS |
| consumer comfort with the concept are possible | | | | recorder and prices average from $450-$750 |
| factors in the limited use of this technology. | | | | although some cable and satellite companies offer the |
| Video on Demand systems can be offered via | | | | equipment at no additional charge when initiating |
| "streaming" or download to a digital video recorder. | | | | services. The Dish Network service, for instance, |
| Streaming takes up a tremendous amount of | | | | offers their DVR free with their programming |
| bandwidth and is most often used by cable | | | | packages and offer the DVR/VOD type service free |
| companies. Downloading to DVR is more commonly | | | | with their America's Everything Package. Other Dish |
| offered via satellite television. Both systems allow | | | | Network packages offer the DVR/VOD service for |
| users to choose when to watch selected | | | | $5.98 per month. |
| programming so that a racing fan in Illinois for | | | | Clearly the necessary technology and equipment for |
| instance, doesn't have to get up at 4:00 a.m. to view | | | | video on demand is readily available in the US and the |
| a race being broadcast from Japan. | | | | benefits for home viewers seem impressive, |
| A digital video recorder (DVR) may also be referred | | | | however, are all viewers ready for this service? |
| to as personal video recorder (PVR). These devices | | | | Perhaps not quite yet for some but that is expected |
| encode video data in MPEG format and store the | | | | to change quickly. For younger consumers who grew |
| data on hard drive. A digital video recorder offers a | | | | up playing videogames and attaching mobile devices |
| number of advantages to the consumer giving them | | | | to their bodies, the concept of pushing buttons and |
| greater control over their television viewing. First and | | | | taking control over their entertainment, their |
| foremost, it allows users to record live TV shows to | | | | interactions, and so forth is an expectation not just |
| hard disk in digital format; no tapes required. | | | | an option. As all Americans become more |
| The DVR offered by Dish Network, for instance has | | | | technologically savvy VOD services will begin to |
| a 120 gigabyte hard drive capable of recording 100 | | | | realize their full potential. |
| hours of programming in digital quality. It allows users | | | | |