Cox/Turner Customers OK Without Fast-Forward VOD

tv watchersDisabling TV consumers' fast-forwarding ability for TV shows is not a problem for some cable operators' video-on-demand services.

Cox's "MyPrimetime On Demand" video-on-demand service -- one that has its fast-forwarding function disabled -- has grabbed high scores among consumers, according to the cable operator, including lifting Turner network programs 10% in viewership.

Cox's "On Demand" programming is available free to select Cox digital cable customers a day after the shows' first run on linear broadcast.

Turner, which began testing with Cox customers in December 2008, has eight shows on the service, including TNT's "The Closer," TBS' "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" and Cartoon Network's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

A full load of commercials was included, and the companies say viewership increased 10% for an average program within three days, viewership that counted toward Nielsen commercial ratings plus three days of DVR playback (C3), the current currency for national TV advertisers.

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Cox says 80% of its customers are satisfied with the experience. Another positive for TV networks: Cox says 20% of its consumers say if the show was not available with its VOD service, they would not have recorded it via their DVR. Another 27% would not have watched the show at all.

Cox's MyPrimetime currently offers shows from more than 20 networks the day after they first air.

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