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Consumers however, appear to be slow in picking up on the advantages of such systems. A recent JD Power & Associates survey posted on their website, indicates that consumer use of VOD has not yet reached its current capacity, as only 21% of viewers indicated that they had ordered a VOD service. Lack of awareness about the benefits and availability of Video on Demand and perhaps consumer comfort with the concept are possible factors in the limited use of this technology.
Video on Demand systems can be offered one of two ways; via "streaming" or download to a digital video recorder. Streaming takes up a tremendous amount of bandwidth and is most often used by cable companies. Downloading to DVR is more commonly offered via satellite television. Both systems allow users to choose when to watch selected programming. By using such a service, an F1 racing fan in Illinois for instance, doesn't have to get up at 4:00 a.m. to view a race being broadcast from Japan.
DVRs, or Personal Video Recorders (PVR) as they are sometimes called, encode video data in MPEG format and store the data on hard drive. A digital video recorder offers a number of advantages to the consumer giving them greater control over their television viewing.
A tremendous advantage over old style video recorders, DVR allows users to record live TV shows to hard disk in digital format; no tapes required and much better picture quality. The DVR offered by Dish Network, for instance has a 120 gigabyte hard drive capable of recording 100 hours of programming in digital quality. It allows users to tape shows/movies even while watching another pre-recorded show. Recorded content of course, can be copied onto videotape or DVD for archiving if desired.
Other handy features include the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV programming. One of the more popular features of the Dish Network DVR allows the viewer to skip commercials by selecting a 30 second "skip" option or to instantly replay scenes by selecting a 10 second "skip back" option. In addition, the DVR gives viewers an on screen program guide complete with program descriptions, times, and titles.
For those more conscious of the aesthetics in the room, it's important to note that DVR equipment can be inconspicuous as it is approximately the size of a VHS recorder. Pricing varies but the average is in the $450-$750 range although some satellite television companies offer the equipment at no additional charge when initiating services. The Dish Network service, for instance, offers their DVR free with their programming packages and offer the DVR/VOD type service free with their America's Everything Package. Other Dish Network packages offer the DVR/VOD service for $5.98 per month.
The technology for taking control of television entertainment in the home is here and readily available in the US. The benefits of such services seem impressive. Perhaps as Americans become more aware of the options and more technologically savvy, VOD services available through cable and satellite television providers will begin to realize their full potential.
He believes that consumers should not have to possess a technology degree to
be able to choose home electronics and entertainment devices. Take advantage of
the wealth of simple to understand, useful information and shopping available on
her website at
www.homemedias.info.
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