Looking to help smaller cable operators compete against over-the-top entertainment services, Comcast Media Center inked an agreement with In Demand Networks to distribute "thousands" of video-on-demand titles licensed by In Demand via the HITS On Demand Content Distribution Network.
The companies did not disclose how many VOD titles are covered under the distribution pact, or cite examples of available movies. Content includes movies from major studios and independent filmmakers.
The HITS On Demand Content Distribution Network provides operators additional VOD library content without the need for them to upgrade their local storage. The service uses centralized content hosting, edge caches and VOD servers to distribute video assets for user playback.
"Making this content available via the HITS platform is a great benefit to independent cable operators, by improving their competitive position and helping to generate incremental revenue," In Demand president and CEO Bob Benya said in a statement.
Added Leslie Russell, vice president and general manager of HITS, "Making this type of long-tail entertainment available through a cloud-based environment allows operators to fulfill the demand for deeper library content without buying or maintaining more storage locally. It is a natural fit for HITS, which continuously develops solutions designed to reduce up-front investment and maximize operator return."
New York-based In Demand is owned by Comcast, Cox Communications and the Time Warner Entertainment - Advance/Newhouse Partnership.
