The Subscriber base of Dutch pay-TV channels Film1 and Sport1 has grown by 50%, to a total of 265,000 since their launch a year ago. “Together with our distributors we have succeeded in increasing our subscriber base by 50% to a total of more than 265,000,” said Jeroen Bergman, Film1 and Sport1’s Managing Director, “We have realised complete digital migration from our earlier analogue Canal+ subscribers to the digital receivers of cable and satellite providers.”
Later this year, probably in Q2, Film1 will launch subscription video-on-demand (S-VOD) for digital TV viewers. A number of programmes on Sport1 will also be made available on demand. Initially the service will only be available to subscibers on the UPC network, but as soon as other cable networks in the country have 2-way capabilities they will follow suit.
Film1 and Sport1’s multimedia strategy has resulted in the takeover of two existing web portals. As of February 1, Film1 has taken over Filmfocus.nl, which is the number one film portal in the Netherlands. The site will be incorporated into the existing Film1 site. In the long term movie streaming services will developed on this site, enabling users to view or download movies online.
Sport1 has taken over web portal Sportone.nl. Web streams – transmitting Uefa Champions League matches, for example – will be offered for a fee on this site enabling viewers to choose which match they want to watch. (RB)
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