Broadband operators use SeaChange for VOD services in UK


Broadband operators are using SeaChange’s MediaCluster VOD server system to serve thousands of customers every day.

Two of Europe’s largest broadband operators — ntl and Telewest Broadband — have launched VOD services using technology from SeaChange International and movies from its strategic partner, On Demand Group. The new services will be deployed across the United Kingdom during 2005.

Telewest Broadband’s first phase of on-demand service started in January in Bristol, England with extensive movie selections available for pause/fast-forward/rewind convenience. SeaChange VOD Systems continue to be deployed around England and Scotland in support of Telewest Broadband’s year-end goal to reach over one million digital subscribers with a growing slate of movies and other programming options.

Eric Tveter, Telewest Broadband’s president and COO, said the company plans to ramp up its on-demand services this year with programs, music and niche content.

The “ntl On Demand” service began to roll out regionally to ntl DTV customers throughout the U.K. starting in January in Glasgow, Scotland. It will provide access to hundreds of hours of programming, including movies, children’s programs, a ‘Pick of the Week’ option showing a selection of top shows from the previous seven days, a music video jukebox service, and adult content.

ntl has invested more than $12 billion in its high-speed, fiber-optic network.

SeaChange has provided more than 1.3 million on-demand streams in over 100 locations throughout the world. The company’s VOD System is a standards-based platform that supports an array of third-party software and network components, including ntl’s and Telewest Broadband’s digital set-top boxes from Pace, Samsung and Scientific-Atlanta, as well as both operators’ Liberate middleware.

For more information, visit www.schange.com.

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