The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

CABLE Bahamas Limited (CBL) yesterday launched its video-on-demand (VOD) platform, the company's vice-president of marketing and sales describing it as a significant "breakthrough" for the BISX-listed company in the television market.

Mark Cabrelli said Cable Bahamas' subscribers will now have "unprecedented access" to hundreds of movies, television programmes, concerts and even karaoke with the launch of 500 REVTV on Demand.

The service allows subscribers with digital set-top boxes to use their TV remotes to access Cable Bahamas' Video on Demand guide at no additional charge.

Mr Cabrelli told Tribune Business: "Today was a big announcement with video-on-demand, which is really quite a breakthrough service for us because it gives customers exactly what they are asking for.

"It allows them to watch what they want on their timeline, when they want it. It's a real groundbreaking service we are offering now to the Bahamas, and we will continue to make improvements and enhancements to that product moving forward." Cable Bahamas now offers a 'triple play' suite of services, including Internet, television and telephone.

Cable Bahamas' marketing director, David Burrows, said: "We're continuing to create new, convenient ways for our customers to experience entertainment, and 500 REVTV on Demand does just that.

"Now our subscribers will have the ability to watch what they want, when they want, on demand."

Although karaoke, music videos and certain TV series are free, movies and concerts can be rented for up to three days. Older releases can be rented at $2.99, and newer releases at $3.99. Subscribers can view applicable high definition content for an added $1 charge, though the feature is optional.

"RevTV subscribers can expect new titles to be launched every month, many of which will be available to view on the same day of US DVD releases. Even some current titles playing at the cinema will also be available. 500 REVTV On Demand now features Paramount, DreamWorks, Magnolia Pictures, Starz Cinema, Warner Brother's titles along with the power house HBO On Demand," Mr Burrows said.

He added that Cable Bahamas has completed contracts with Disney and Fox, and expects to see Sony on board by the end of summer 2012 - "adding at least another 100 titles to our movie library".

Later this year, the company is looking to add 3D titles as well. "Cable Bahamas is very excited about the inclusion of our local content," Mr Burrows said. "Now film makers like Marian Govan, Kareem Mortimer and other Bahamian film makers will have far greater reach into the Bahamian community with this innovative, on demand platform.

"This launch underscores the commitment that Cable Bahamas has in continuing to create new, convenient ways for our customers to experience entertainment, and 500 REVTV On Demand does just that."