Some impressive numbers scored during a switched video on demand (SVOD) run:
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TWC's SVOD Test In Great Demand
Columbia, S.C.— AOL Time Warner Inc. chief executive officer Gerald Levin will have something to crow about during the company's second-quarter conference call this week — significant consumer interest in a Home Box Office subscription video-on-demand test.
Time Warner Cable's system here curtailed its HBO SVOD rollout after hitting unanticipated traffic figures. Industry sources said that in a 10-minute period, 647 subscribers attempted to access the service, while 3,000 requests came in over a 90-minute period, far above typical VOD-retention rates. The service, available to 26,000 HBO digital homes, has since been scaled back until Scientific-Atlanta Inc. can tweak its Digital Network Control System. The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Gladiator and Chicken Run were the most popular offerings.
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Now, the only question I have is this: Did the residents in those 26,000 digital homes actually have to pay for each selection during this test, and if so how much relative to standard fare? Or, was this a special launch promo, or did participation in the "rollout" entitle them to a free or discounted view for their trouble and cooperation? Anyone know? In any event, those are impressive numbers. |
