Comcast Media Center is pitching the HITS Express Lane content management service to independent operators as a way to deliver locally produced video-on-demand content, without the need to invest in a headend-based solution.
With Express Lane, operators serving smaller, remote markets can add local content and only pay for the content they use, CMC said. Express Lane does not require a minimum content commitment.
Localized content gives smaller cable companies a competitive advantage over satellite TV providers, according to HITS vice president and general manger Leslie Russell.
"Express Lane is a cost-effective way for cable systems to offer digital video customers more local programming without using linear channel capacity or investing in plant upgrades typically required for offering local VOD content," Russell said in a statement.
The Web-based Express Lane service provides encoding, metadata creation, quality control and storage. Express Lane also allows cable operators to authorize third-party content partners to submit content to the Express Lane bullpen for review, approval and delivery of local programming to VOD-enabled households.
