The European Audiovisual Observatory and the French Government's Media Development Department (DDM) have published the results of a new survey of VoD services in Europe, carried out by NPA Conseil.

Upsurge in number of services

At the end of 2007, the survey found 258 VoD services in operation in the 24 European countries covered, compared with 142 services at the end of December 2006.

This upsurge in the number of services is largely explained by the fact that television channels generally now have websites offering free catch-up TV, giving viewers access to certain programmes, notably episodes of series, for a period of several days after their transmission. As in 2006, France - with 32 services - remains the country with the highest level of VoD provision; it is followed by the Netherlands (with 30 services) and Germany (with 26 services). Together, these three countries account for almost a third of Europe's VoD services.

Breakdown of VoD services in Europe by type of network (December 2007)

Certain services may be distributed on more than one network and, in such cases, they have been counted more than once.
Source: NPA Conseil

Number of VoD services in the 24 European countries surveyed, by type of platform (December 2007)

The marked increase in the number of VoD services on Internet reflects the expansion of catch-up TV provision by broadcasters over the last two years - most catch-up services being offered via Internet. Throughout Europe, 62 catch-up TV services are delivered on Internet, compared with 11 services on IPTV, 8 on cable, 2 via satellite and 1 on DTT. Initially, almost all catch-up TV was offered on Internet, but cable and DSL operators have now begun to include it on their networks.

The survey also reflects the latest developments in strategy among the various players involved in VoD provision (including cable and IPTV network operators, television channels, programme makers and equipment manufacturers).

do not miss "VoD – which licences for which markets?"
European Audiovisual Observatory Afternoon in Cannes Sunday, 18th May 2008 from 14.30 to 16.15
Salon des Ambassadeurs, 4th Floor, Palais des Festivals (Cannes, France)

This conference will deal with the latest developments of the VoD markets in Europe as well as examining key legal aspects of VoD distribution.
Access to this conference is free to all those who have an accreditation to the Cannes Film Market or Festival. The languages of this conference are English and French.

http://www.obs.coe.int/about/oea/agenda.html