DirectTV has launched its "DirecTV (News - Alert) on Demand" service nationwide. The service is available at no additional charge to customers with a DirectTV Plus HD DVR or R22 DVR receiver, and offers more than 4,000 standard-definition and HD titles, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

 

The service allows customers to download the programming of their choice from the "DirecTV on Demand" library to their DVRs. The service features customized home pages for each participating programmer.

 

On demand customers have access to the DVR Scheduler, which will allow them to remotely schedule on demand programming to their DVR from an Internet-connected computer or mobile phone.

 

Thousands of free titles, in both standard-definition and HDTV are always available, including movies, TV series, kid's shows, specialty programming including music, exercise and educational fare.

 

Expanded pay per view titles also are available.

 

The DirecTV on Demand service offers content downloaded using a broadband connection, while other content, primarily blockbuster movies, is pushed to the customer's DVR by satellite. Much of the content, depending on the speed of the customer's broadband connection and type of content, can be viewed in real time as it is being downloaded.

 

The move is important for DirecTV, which wants to remain relevant in the on-demand programming business, and which is fighting cable and telco providers in that regard. The service also is important for broadband access providers, as it creates one more video-driven application to drive up usage on the access pipes, with obvious implications for future pricing and packaging policies.