|
Telecom today launched New Zealand’s first video-on-demand service with a national trial of JetVideo.
Approximately 100 households will be trialling JetVideo, allowing them to watch streaming video – such as films and music – directly through their PC over a JetStream fast Internet connection.
The new service was officially launched at the Telecom Shed at the American Express Viaduct Harbour in Auckland, where it is one of several new technologies being demonstrated free to the public.
“New Zealand is on the verge of a technology revolution as we have access, both in our homes and workplaces, to an increasing range of new products and services brought to us via broadband,” Telecom Group Marketing Manager Consumer Sandra Geange said.
“JetVideo will potentially mean a library of films and music are always in stock, any time of the day or night, and for which customers will never have the hassle of late return fees,” she said.
Content for the trial, including Hollywood films and music videos will be provided by Intertainer New Zealand.
Intertainer can offer hundreds of hours of content at any one time with new content regularly added to the service. Users may view a film or music video as many times as they like within a 24-hour viewing period.
The service provides most of the functionality of a video recorder including play, fast forward and rewind with users choosing what they want to view online from an interactive menu with a user name and password.
Households in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Taranaki have been selected for the trial, which will run for three months. The trial will provide Telecom with information about the potential uptake for a commercial service as well as practical information about delivery and what support customers require.
Trial participants require a medium specification PC and JetStream.
“JetVideo clearly demonstrates how broadband fast Internet technology has the potential to enhance New Zealanders’ lifestyles by providing access to a new world of entertainment services” Ms Geange said.
“Telecom is aiming to provide New Zealanders with unprecedented levels of convenience and service by converging entertainment, IT and telecommunications.”
Intertainer Asia Chairman Greg Coote said, “digital delivery of movies, music video and time-shifted TV to the consumer is the next big event for home entertainment. With digitally delivered entertainment-on-demand now a reality consumers can potentially have an entire video store in their homes.
“Imagine having hundreds of titles to choose from at any day of the time or night, in the comfort of your home and never being disappointed that your first choice is not available.”
|
