UK's Channel 4 launches PC-based video on demand service

While major networks have started rebroadcasting episodes of their hit shows online, it looks like the UK's Channel 4 is taking the lucrative approach to offering up shows on the internet by launching its (PC only) 4oD video on demand service. Sure, remembering to set your precious DVR to capture those oh-so-priceless episodes of your SO's favorite shows is the ideal scenario, but Channel 4 is apparently hoping that your forgetful nature (and lackluster work firewall) will bring you over to its site in search of satisfaction. Inking a deal with PACT, the trade body of the independent production companies, the company will be splitting a currently undisclosed amount of the profits, but will be offering up commercial-free (at least initially) rebroadcasts of the past 30 days of programming. Additionally, "over 1,000 hours" of archived material will be available for download, and users will also be graced with "two free shows" per week just for stopping by. Episodes will run £0.99 ($1.96), where they can be viewed for two days, after which the file will "automatically delete itself" (until hackers figure out a way to save them, that is), while "films" will demand £1.99 ($3.93).

[Via Digital Lifestyles]

[Conrad @ Dec 7th 2006 1:38PM]

What horrible DRM implementation.
DRM = no Mac support, and a crappy two day time limit. For �1 (that's $2 kids) an episode I think I'll skip this one.

[Jon Olsen @ Dec 7th 2006 1:43PM]

Unfortunately, you have to be in the UK or Ireland to use the service. Would have been great, but... ITunes needs to simply add coverage of UK TV so that those of us on this side of the pond can watch British TV (usually much higher quality that the stuff over here...).

[MS @ Dec 8th 2006 6:28AM]

It makes a change for something to be available in the UK and not the US...

What Apple to do is make TV programmes available somewhere other than the US (and Canada?) through iTunes. It is painful being bombarded by advertising hype for a service you can't access.

Sky have a similar service for thier subscribers here, and it's for no extra charge, has a decent range of movies, and (I think) 30 days to watch what you've downloaded. More useful methinks...

[Patrick Kane @ Dec 7th 2006 2:59PM]

Actually, 4oD is actually available on NTL:Telewest digital cable.:)

[jeff Foster @ Dec 7th 2006 5:44PM]

3 cents less than iTunes for exploding media?

sounds like a ripoff.

Maybe Apple needs to get into the market and start selling the british crap already.