
Cable companies are
pushing high definition video-on-demand as a system seller over satellite, while Blu-ray and HD DVD still seek traction and fiber slowly rolls out. Still, even if it is available in your area, most customers report only a few selections available, and inconsistent picture quality. Holding things back are the usual demons, capacity and content. Until MPEG-4 and
switched-digital roll out most providers simply don't have the bandwidth to deliver all their regular programming and
more than a few HD VOD offerings. Couple that with movie studios unwilling to hand over premium content (in order to protect their investments in the aforementioned disc formats) and you've got a very slow moving situation. However as the bandwidth issues get sorted out, media research company Diffusion Group sees progress made the same way it has for regular HDTV, sports & broadcast networks first just like primetime television and ESPN-HD have led the charge so far.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MadcapMagician @ Aug 25th 2006 2:15PM
With the bandwidth issues surrounding SD on Demand, I really don't see HD VOD working in the near future. The prospect is nice, but I'm not counting on it during the life of my present set... Also, I can't even imagine what the charge would be for it?!
BobMac @ Aug 25th 2006 3:11PM
I would glady give Comcast a few extra bucks if they offered Battlestar Galactica in HD through VOD.