RCN, a Herndon, Virginia based triple play provider, announced a dramatic increase in its video on demand portfolio, “almost doubling” its content library. RCN is also upgrading its VOD technology platform to allow new VOD choices, including HD VOD, an intuitive on-demand portal and “virtual on-demand.” The upgraded platform will be available to RCN’s digital customers in Boston, Chicago, New York, Penn. and D.C. by June.
RCN is following the lead of other multi-channel video operators who see VOD as a competitive necessity, and in some cases, an advantage. VOD is an “Achilles heel” for DBS providers, because their satellite technology prevents a two way interactive session, which is required for VOD. Cable and IPTV providers are leveraging VOD for this advantage and increasingly putting emphasis on high definition VOD as a counter to satellite’s linear channel HD advantage.