Tesco Begins One-Month VOD Trial on Video Networks' HomeChoice
--Honda Also Expected to Launch VOD Service on the Platform
UK-based IPTV provider, Video Networks, and supermarket chain, Tesco, have begun a one-month trial of a VOD service on Video Networks' IPTV service, HomeChoice (operates in London and Stevenage). Dubbed "Tesco Sport," the service, which launched May 18th, provides information on sport and exercise, and is an extension of Tesco's Tesco Sport for Schools and Clubs program. According to HomeChoice, the goal of the trial is to determine viewer reaction to "brand-created on-demand content."
A number of reports have appeared in the UK press that automobile manufacturer, Honda, is also set to launch a branded VOD service on HomeChoice--though a source at Video Networks told [itvt] that the deal to launch the service "is yet to be signed." The existence of the service was revealed by a Honda executive at the "Marketing Week TV 2006" conference in Rome last week. The service, which was created by a new agency called Zype, that was founded by Andrew Howells, co-founder of the now-defunct interactive agency, Zip Television, will offer an array of Honda-themed content, and an interactive TV application that will allow HomeChoice viewers to interact live and one-on-one with a Honda dealer. (Note: the app will likely be similar to "Honda Dealer of the Future," a prototype interactive advertising format that Zip Television developed for Honda in late 2004. The format was designed to allow viewers to interact directly with Honda personnel, who would discuss and demonstrate on screen various features of a Honda automobile, using video, audio and graphics. When a viewer pressed the red button, a Honda "specialist" would respond in a picture-in-picture window, and use the rest of the screen to show the viewer video and images as he or she conversed with that viewer. For more on "Honda Dealer of the Future," see [itvt] Issue 5.76.)
In other Video Networks news:
* The company is actively pursuing opportunities to develop customized versions of its broadband TV services for third parties. According to COO, Dean Hawkins, it has developed a platform proposition for Chapters, a company that is seeking to create broadband TV services for various niche markets. "Video Networks is in discussions with a range of partners to develop customized broadband TV services for different communities," he said. "In particular, Video Networks has developed a platform proposition for Chapters who are creating products for various communities including the ethnic, small business and Christian markets. Our project with Chapters is just one example of how Video Networks can deliver highly target broadband TV services for all types of communities." An inside source told [itvt] that Video Networks views European telcos in particular as a potentially fertile market for white-label broadband TV services. "There are many ways to distribute, and now that other companies are starting to build networks that are capable, it does bring in an opportunity for wider syndication," the source said. "A good partner would be a company with a subscriber base who want to up-sell it to IPTV. That is specifically outside of the UK." Vn1cnn2006sm
* CNN International has launched a VOD service on HomeChoice. Programs offered on the service include regular shows such as "Quest," "Living Golf," "CNN Business Traveller," "Global Office" and "Art of Life," as well as a line-up of documentaries and specials.
* Cartoon Network UK has relaunched its VOD service on HomeChoice, with new branding, more content, and what it claims is improved navigation. Among other things, the service, dubbed "CN Now," now features a nine-series archive.
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--Honda Also Expected to Launch VOD Service on the Platform
UK-based IPTV provider, Video Networks, and supermarket chain, Tesco, have begun a one-month trial of a VOD service on Video Networks' IPTV service, HomeChoice (operates in London and Stevenage). Dubbed "Tesco Sport," the service, which launched May 18th, provides information on sport and exercise, and is an extension of Tesco's Tesco Sport for Schools and Clubs program. According to HomeChoice, the goal of the trial is to determine viewer reaction to "brand-created on-demand content."
A number of reports have appeared in the UK press that automobile manufacturer, Honda, is also set to launch a branded VOD service on HomeChoice--though a source at Video Networks told [itvt] that the deal to launch the service "is yet to be signed." The existence of the service was revealed by a Honda executive at the "Marketing Week TV 2006" conference in Rome last week. The service, which was created by a new agency called Zype, that was founded by Andrew Howells, co-founder of the now-defunct interactive agency, Zip Television, will offer an array of Honda-themed content, and an interactive TV application that will allow HomeChoice viewers to interact live and one-on-one with a Honda dealer. (Note: the app will likely be similar to "Honda Dealer of the Future," a prototype interactive advertising format that Zip Television developed for Honda in late 2004. The format was designed to allow viewers to interact directly with Honda personnel, who would discuss and demonstrate on screen various features of a Honda automobile, using video, audio and graphics. When a viewer pressed the red button, a Honda "specialist" would respond in a picture-in-picture window, and use the rest of the screen to show the viewer video and images as he or she conversed with that viewer. For more on "Honda Dealer of the Future," see [itvt] Issue 5.76.)
In other Video Networks news:
* The company is actively pursuing opportunities to develop customized versions of its broadband TV services for third parties. According to COO, Dean Hawkins, it has developed a platform proposition for Chapters, a company that is seeking to create broadband TV services for various niche markets. "Video Networks is in discussions with a range of partners to develop customized broadband TV services for different communities," he said. "In particular, Video Networks has developed a platform proposition for Chapters who are creating products for various communities including the ethnic, small business and Christian markets. Our project with Chapters is just one example of how Video Networks can deliver highly target broadband TV services for all types of communities." An inside source told [itvt] that Video Networks views European telcos in particular as a potentially fertile market for white-label broadband TV services. "There are many ways to distribute, and now that other companies are starting to build networks that are capable, it does bring in an opportunity for wider syndication," the source said. "A good partner would be a company with a subscriber base who want to up-sell it to IPTV. That is specifically outside of the UK." Vn1cnn2006sm
* CNN International has launched a VOD service on HomeChoice. Programs offered on the service include regular shows such as "Quest," "Living Golf," "CNN Business Traveller," "Global Office" and "Art of Life," as well as a line-up of documentaries and specials.
* Cartoon Network UK has relaunched its VOD service on HomeChoice, with new branding, more content, and what it claims is improved navigation. Among other things, the service, dubbed "CN Now," now features a nine-series archive.
Click http://www.itvt.com to subscribe to our free email