Cable giant Comcast says it has passed a milestone, delivering 20 billion entertainment choices via its On Demand since the service launched in 2003. Back then the service offered 740 video on demand (VOD) choices. Today the number is over 60,000.
“On Demand was the first technology to give millions of our customers instant access to entertainment choices to watch on their schedule,” said Marcien Jenckes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services, Comcast. “By making a huge library of content available for free with a click of the remote, On Demand was an instant hit and continues to drive viewership. The service has been a major influence in the adoption of time-shifted viewing, which has now become mainstream.”
Comcast is celebrating the 20 billion milestone with the launch of the Xfinity On Demand Awards (see below), honoring the top-performing movies, TV series, musical artists and other programming as determined by what customers watched the most on the service.
Comcast is also staging a contest to celebrate the 20 billion mark – and since it now owns NBCUniversal the top prize winner will get a walk-on role on NBC’s “30 Rock.” They’ll also get a Universal Orlando Resort vacation and tickets to a Universal Pictures Premiere and after-party. Other prizes include 50” HDTVs, plus weekly prizes. The sweepstakes ends on July 31st.
XFINITY ON DEMAND AWARDS
With 20 billion views to date, Xfinity On Demand provides a pulse on what consumers are watching. The following are the all-time, most-viewed new release movies, TV series, musical artists and other programming on the service, and recipients of the Xfinity On Demand Awards:
Overall Most-Viewed New Release Movies:
1. The Hangover (Warner Bros.)
2. The Blind Side* (Warner Bros.)
3. Couples Retreat* (Universal)
Overall Most-Viewed TV Series:
1. South Park (Comedy Central)
2. Entourage (HBO)
3. Sex and the City (HBO)
Overall Most-Viewed Musical Artists:
1. Beyoncé
2. Chris Brown
3. Ciara
