In addition to the VOD content, which is similar to EchoStar’s VOD service on DISH Network satellite TV, ViP-TV offers both push and pull services and more programming options compared to the current popular titles.
ViP-TV is a wholesale service that acquires programming from content providers and sends them to an IPTV service provider’s end. ViP-TV offers over 300 local and national US channels, push and pull VOD service, and associated infrastructure support to telcos, private and rural cable operators, municipalities, and community video providers.
ViP-TV’s suite of channels include ViP-Premier, which offers over 100 channels of television programming, ViP-HD, which offers 40 channels of high definition programming; ViP-Movies, which offers 40 channels of movies, ViP-Latino, which offers 30 Spanish-language programming services, and the ViP-International programming package, which provides over 30 programming channels in 10 different languages.
EchoStar has a major edge in its relationships with telcos who resell its DISH Network service. EchoStar also delivers local broadcast stations to some telcos. So, the company already has experience and exposure to back up ViP-TV, said Dan Daines, general manager of ViP-TV at EchoStar.
EchoStar dismissed the fear of cannibalization of its DISH network by ViP-TV. In this respect, Mr Daines said, I don’t think there would be any significant cannibalization.
Video on demand services are also provided by other players such as AT&T, which offers IP-TV VOD through its U-verse service and Hitachi Telecom (USA), which has partnered with Fidelity Solutions, a provider of IPTV and VOIP, to deliver a source-to-subscriber video solution.
Source: ComputerWire daily updates
