Broadband Technology and Video on Demand

Since the introduction of Video On Demand (VOD) from the nation's largest cable providers, the technology has taken flight. In 2008, 28 million U.S. households had access to Video On Demand through their cable company and 37 percent of Video On Demand viewers watched more VOD offerings in 2008 than the year before, with a marked increase in viewing of VOD high-definition, film, and premium channel content.

The Convenience of Video On Demand

One of the reasons for the popularity of Video On Demand is convenience. Customers who want to see the latest movies, television shows, or special programming can access video, film, and television content from the convenience of their home. All they have to do is press a few buttons on their cable television remote, and they're watching their favorite television shows, movies, and a wide variety of other content from sports to fitness, health to home design, real estate to outdoor living. Plus, customers can pause, fast-forward, rewind and replay VOD titles to their hearts' content at times that are convenient for them.

Video On Demand Offerings Growing Every Day

Another reason for the ever-growing popularity of VOD viewership is the commitment of cable operators to continually expand their VOD offerings, with emphasis on high-definition (HD) content. Today, approximately 50 percent of U.S. households have HDTV in their homes, and the availability of HD VOD content has driven up demand for VOD offerings.

Comcast currently offers literally thousands of VOD titles ranging from premium movies, television shows, children's programs, an assortment of topical videos, and early premieres. Time Warner Cable recently announced the availability of popular network television shows in its VOD listings, in addition to movies, sports, children's programming and much more. Charter Communications includes an impressive array of VOD content as well as amore than 400 titles for HD VOD programming. And Cox Communications customers can enjoy premium channels, movies, favorite cable shows, kid's programming, concerts, and much more.

The Future of Video on Demand

The future is bright for VOD. Currently, a number of companies are developing technology which will let digital cable customers access and view online videos on their HDTVs through newly designed set-top boxes - technology that is sure to drive more customer satisfaction with VOD resulting in a larger audience.