UPC subscribers with direct access to Uitzending Gemist watch the catch-up TV service more through their cable connection than the public broadcasters’ own portal, according to new data from the Dutch cabler.
The ten-day catch-up service is a clear winner for UPC Nederland’s burgeoning video-on-demand platform that received 47.5 million requests during 2009, a year-on-year increase of 45%. At the same time the number of subscribers using the option grew by 40%.
The most requested movie was the Dutch language Oorlogswinter, directed by Martin Koolhoven, while the most popular series was Sex and the City.
“Despite the advent of the internet as a medium, the role of the TV screen has not changed fundamentally, and the living room is still the domain of the television screen,” said Ivo Lochtman, content director, UPC Netherlands. “It seems that TV is now going through a second childhood.”
UPC is continuing to develop the day&date concept with more movies available on the VOD platform simultaneously with their DVD release. These include The Blind Side, for which Sandra Bullock won the Best Actress award at the 2010 Oscar ceremony. “Such initiatives are certainly recognized by our customers and will lead to more satisfied users in 2010,” said Lochtman.
