TVNZ-New Zealand has introduced a new service – and a new revenue stream – that uses the Internet to cater for viewer habits and lifestyles.
One of the main planks of TVNZ’s five-year strategy, “Inspiring New Zealanders on every screen”, the online video-on-demand service offers viewers the ability to watch television on their computer screens, whenever it suits them.
At this stage all the available content is TVNZ-owned, but the broadcaster is in negotiations to include international shows as well, reports The National Business Standard.
Other plans for future developments include “pre-emptive downloading”, where viewers can pre-select material for automatic download overnight, and interactive features such as a rating system and blogs.
These will be rolled out over the next four months. Some of the videos are free, while others are paid for with “PlayPoints” purchased on a credit card.
One of the main challenges the service faces is the lack of broadband penetration in New Zealand, which will impede its popularity. TVNZ expects viewer numbers to rise as broadband infrastructure is developed.