The new service, 4oD, launches on December 6, 2006 and will offer 500 hours of archived Channel 4 TV shows, as well as a 30-day catch up service. Viewers will be able to download programs thanks to a media rights deal the broadcaster signed with independent TV producers earlier this year, although some US shows will be unavailable.
The programs can be downloaded for 99 pence an episode, and are viewable for up to two days, or GBP1.99 to ‘keep.’ Archive shows and Channel 4produced feature films are also in the pipeline.
The programs will be provided as Microsoft Windows Media files. Digital rights management means they cannot be used on any other platform besides Windows.
Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan predicts that, in five years, up to half of all viewing will be time-shifted, meaning that programs won’t be part of the regular schedule, but as catch-up internet-based viewing instead.
The BBC has also announced plans to launch online programming, but it requires approval from its governors, the soon -to be BBC Trust, to go ahead.
