Microsoft launches VOD service

Following a seven month trial, Microsoft will launch its video-on-demand service in the UK tomorrow.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

MSN Video Player, which is free to use, has increased the amount of programming available to users from around 300 hours during testing to approximately 1,000 hours.

Deals have been struck with BBC Worldwide and independent producers which mean that programmes such as Peep Show, Shameless, The Young Ones and more will be available to watch.

Speaking to the Guardian, Ashley Highfield, Microsoft's managing director of consumer and online in the UK, refused to reveal precise audience figures but did say that they compared favourably with other services.

Microsoft intends to make high definition programmes and films available using its Silverlight software in due course.

The service was beaten to a full launch by rival VoD service SeeSaw last month.

SeeSaw allows users to watch multi-channel programming from the last week. The service is currently free but there are plans afoot to introduce a paid-content element.

With all the major UK broadcasters offering free-to-view content online and now a number of competitors able to offer programmes from across television channels, the VoD marketplace is becoming increasingly competitive.

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