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CableVision seeks to offer video on demand

Seeking the go-ahead: Bermuda CableVision plans to offer a video-on-demand service

Bermuda CableVision is seeking to introduce a video-on-demand channel with movies starting at $2.99 and many cable TV shows free with subscription.The company’s application is subject to approval by the Telecoms Commission. It’s also seeking to introduce two high-speed cable modems to be available to purchase for $100 and $80.If approved, the service would allow CableVision subscribers to use their remotes at any time to simply select TV shows and movies from a menu on their TV and then watch them from the comfort of their couches.In an ad in The Royal Gazette yesterday, the company said it was proposing to offer the programming on channel 500.Popular just-in and new-release movies will be priced from $2.99 up to $9.99 to view, HD movies up to $10.99, 3D movies for $6.99, while other older movies will be priced from $2.99, and adult or after-hours programming from $4.99.Showtime and TMC programming will be free with subscription, and Kids Unlimited will be free, while TV shows including sports on the various cable networks will be free with subscription. In addition there will be karaoke on demand for free.The service, if approved, would move CableVision more into competition with video rental stores and the fast rising growth in local use of online video downloand and streaming services such as Netflix, Apple TV and numerous video sites used with US IP addresses.CableVision signalled plans for launching on-demand service and other upgrades last October.The company had said that to prepare for the expansion of its pay-per-view services, it had been upgrading its network operations centre to include an advanced video-on-demand platform with enhanced two-way communications capabilities so that customers can interact with CableVision via their remotes.The company said it had been working on the projects for several months.In addition, CableVision also said last October all of its digital home communications terminals were being given the added capability of performing like a DVR, so customers can pause, fast-forward or rewind live TV.On-demand cable TV and DVR service has been available in the US for several years now.