A VODnet is a Video On Demand-driven cable and satellite television network. It is a non-linear television network in that the content resides on a server and the consumer calls up the particular program they want to watch from a digital menu. This is in contrast to a linear network that shows scheduled programs throughout the day. Usually VODnets are genre portal based. For example, Sportskool and The Ski Channel would be found under "Sports" and MGM Channel would be under "Movies."
Non-linear media is a form of media that can be interacted with by the consumer, such as by selecting television shows to watch through a video on demand type service, by playing a video game, by clicking through a website, or by interacting through social media. Non-linear media is a move away from traditional linear media, in which content is selected by the publisher to be consumed and is then done so passively. There is no single specific form of non-linear media; rather, what might be considered non-linear changes as technology changes.
In computing, a server is a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called "clients". This architecture is called the client–server model, and a single overall computation is distributed across multiple processes or devices. Servers can provide various functionalities, often called "services", such as sharing data or resources among multiple clients, or performing computation for a client. A single server can serve multiple clients, and a single client can use multiple servers. A client process may run on the same device or may connect over a network to a server on a different device. Typical servers are database servers, file servers, mail servers, print servers, web servers, game servers, and application servers.
Sportskool is a US-based cable television network dedicated to sports instruction, exercise and entertainment. Sportskool was launched as a free on-demand channel in 2004 by Rainbow Media Holdings now known as AMC Networks, which at the time was a subsidiary of Cablevision. Sportskool was acquired in October, 2008 by Grace Creek Media, Inc, a television production and distribution company headquartered in Annapolis, MD. Sportskool's programming consists largely of sports, fitness and yoga instruction featuring professional athletes and coaches like Mia Hamm (soccer) Bode Miller (skiing) Misty May Trainor (volleyball) and Tony Gwynn (baseball) and the US Navy Seals (fitness).) In 2010, Sportskool produced the six-part series "For Coaches & Parents: It's More Than A Game," with Hollywood actor and youth coach Sean Astin. The channel also features sports documentaries, including the original production "Yogi Berra: Deja Vu All Over Again,", "Women and the Waves," and “Sean White: Wizard of Winter Games,” among others.
Currently, all major cable, satellite and telco distributors and most mid-size cable operators carry VODnets.
The majority of VODnets launched in 2007 and 2008.
VODnets include:
- FEARnet
- MGM Channel
- ExerciseTV
- The Ski Channel
- Lifeskool formerly Mag Rack
- Wheels TV
- Karaoke Channel
- Havoc TV
- Music Choice
- Studio 4 Fitness
- Concert TV
- EuroCinema
- Film Festival
- Anime Network
- Players Network
MGM Channel was a 24-hour global-based network that was launched in 1999 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios that aired movies from MGM's library, including West Side Story, Midnight Cowboy, The Terminator, The Manchurian Candidate, The Black Stallion, amongst many others. The network had access to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer library of films, comprising approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming.
ExerciseTV was a United States television network broadcast on digital cable. It was free and had video-on-demand (VOD) systems. The network received around eight million views every month.
The Ski Channel is a Video On Demand Cable, Satellite and Telco television channel distributed on Comcast, Time Warner Cable, DirecTV, Verizon FiOS, Brighthouse Networks, Cablevision, RCN, AT&T U-Verse and Cox Communications. The technical term for a channel of this type is VODnet. It features mountain oriented sports, activity and lifestyle content and is devoted to year-round mountain activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing and other mountain sports. The channel launched on December 25, 2008. Tennis doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan are investors in the channel. It was founded by Steve Bellamy who also founded Tennis Channel.
Criteria
Traditional Cable Networks that have VOD Video On Demand are not considered a VODnet because VOD is not the main distribution method for the channel. For example, Speed Channel which has VOD programming available through most cable and satellite providers, would not be considered a VODnet because their main distribution method is linear.
Important Facts
In March 2008, ExerciseTV reached its 100 millionth view. In October, 2008, Mag Rack was split into two companies, Lifeskool and Sportskool, and sold by Rainbow Media, a subsidiary of Cablevision to new owners. Shortly thereafter Lifeskool additionally purchased Concert TV and began using the name Mag Rack again.
Mag Rack is a Video on Demand (VoD) television channel. Its primary focus is providing viewers with informational programs when they want them. These programs range from 'how to' programs to programs that spotlight past and present products.
Cablevision Systems Corporation was an American cable television company with systems serving areas surrounding New York City. It was the fifth-largest cable provider and ninth-largest television provider in the United States. Throughout its existence and in its final years, Cablevision serviced customers residing in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and a small part of Pennsylvania. However, at one time it did provide service in many as 19 states. Cablevision also offered high-speed Internet connections, digital cable, and VoIP phone service through its Optimum brand name. Cablevision also offered a WiFi-only mobile phone service dubbed Freewheel.
In early 2009 Ripe Digital Entertainment went bankrupt. They had supposedly raised over $50 million, but spent lavishly and were the victim of poor timing. ExerciseTV ceased distribution in November, 2011, and was replaced on Time Warner Cable by Sportskool Fit, a new channel created by Sportskool.
Ripe Digital Entertainment (RDE) was an on-demand digital entertainment company with video on demand components on several platforms. RDE was founded by CEO Ryan Magnussen.
