I can exclusively reveal that newcomer SouthTel plans to launch a trial version of its new video-on-demand (VOD) service called VOD.TV in July before the commercial launch in September that will give consumers in South Africa and Southern Africa instant access to thousands of movie titles, just-released DVDs and TV shows as a perpetually available ''digital video store'' and for cheaper than current pay TV subscriptions. Oh. And TV with Thinus can exclusively reveal the new orange and black VOD.TV logo today, right here.
ALSO READ: Newcomer SouthTel to launch its video-on-demand service VOD:TV in September.
While MultiChoice is busy planning the commercial roll-out of its own VOD service entitled DStv BoxOffice, SouthTel is definitely starting a pilot service in July. I can exclusively reveal that VOD.TV is planning ''thousand titles'' of ''new-release movies, big-screen blockbusters, classics, hit TV season series and personalized theme music playlists, educational shows''. The majority of all the content will be available in high definition (HD) and consumers will choose what they want to watch from the VOD.TV user interface below:
VOD.TV will use a personal digital video recorder (PVR) which will automatically record a selection of programming, transmitted in spare capacity by satellite to the PVR. Subscribers can then watch the downloaded programming at a time they desire. Since the content occupies space on the PVR hard drive, downloaded content will be deleted after a few days to make way for newer programs.
Pushed TV content is ciphered on the disk drive and cannot be viewed until purchased. Once a purchase of a specific show or movie is validated, the VOD.TV decoder receives a secured authorisation within seconds. The content then becomes available for viewing. The content is not transferable and can be viewed only on the buyer's decoder.
