• by David Goetzl , July 1, 2008

Cable operators have tried to gain a leg up by claiming that they offer a robust video-on-demand product, while their satellite competition was a non-factor. But after promising it would launch VOD some time ago, DirecTV has finally done so.

DirecTV on Demand is available to subscribers nationwide at no extra cost--but there is a catch. They must have specialized DVR options. DTV says it offers thousands of on-demand options for free, including content from the Discovery Channel.

Still, in the battle against cable, DirecTV now says it has upwards of 4,000 VOD offerings, as the service allows users to download titles to their DVRs.

DirecTV has said one of the reasons for the launch delay is that it aimed to offer a VOD service with a more user-friendly interface. And Monday, DTV said its on-demand offering has "unique features that make navigating through titles simple and quick."

DTV said programmers with VOD content each have a dedicated channel to highlight their most compelling offerings, while users can ensure that content awaits them on their DVR by ordering it over the Internet remotely.

Eric Shanks, executive vice president of entertainment at DTV, said: "We are continuing to not only level, but elevate the playing field among pay TV providers."