January 17th, 2006 - It took some time, but finally, most are getting on board with the new wave in television watching. The advent of the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) has forever changed the way people watch TV. Those that have it can't live without it and those that don't are missing out while wasting time. The DVR acts like a digital VCR that records programs for you, even when you're away. It even records live shows, so that you can pause for bath breaks or rewind for greater impact. What else could the avid TV junkie ask for? Well what if you didn't have to wait for those favorite programs to be recorded in the first place? Image a world where anything you would ever want to watch was already recorded for you by the networks and all you had to do was select your favorite shows. This is approximately what cable providers have done by introducing On-Demand to their line-ups. On-Demand has its roots in the Pay-Per-View market while embracing the digital world of the DVR controlled television.

On-Demand now allows views to select from a huge catalog of movies, events and even local programming. Once selected, the program is downloaded (computer term for, "sent by little wires" for those still in the 70's) to the cable box or DVR where the viewer simply controls the program like a DVD or DVR; playing, pausing, fast forwarding, etc... That's right! Even those of you without a DVR can use the On-Demand feature by simply selecting On-Demand with your remote.

While some On-Demand features have been available for sometime, what has prompted me to sing such praises is the fact that Comcast bigheads have been able to combine all of the individual On-Demand Channels, into a single "Browser." In its Infancy, On-Demand views had to switch between different On-Demand channels; one for say, HBO On-Demand, another for Discover On-Demand and so on. This spreading around of On-Demand channels made it very difficult and time consuming. By packaging all of the On-Demand into one place, Channel 1 on Comcast, viewers can now easily browse all available titles easily. Not only are the Premium Channels grouped together, but viewers have the option of selecting only "Free" movies, then deciding between Comedy and Drama titles and so on. Even Holiday programming is grouped together around Christmas.

On-Demand is like having a Blockbuster or Hollywood Video store inside your TV. In fact, as downloadable features and titles expand; it is completely conceivable that companies like Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and even Netflix might be in their final days.

As with all new technology there are always drawbacks. The first and most obvious drawback with the Comcast On-Demand system is the delay experienced when pausing, rewinding and fast forwarding. There is a 1 to 2 second lapse from the time you press pause and the halt of the program. Occasionally, but rarely this delay can be greater than 5 seconds. Additionally, users are only able to Fast-Forward or rewind at one speed. Those that are accustom to DVR controls enjoy being able to quickly advance to a point in a program by press the FF button several times, thus multiplying the speed at which the program advances. With On-Demand, Fast-Forwarding to middle of a movie gives the viewers plenty of time to move about the room and stretch their legs. While a "Saved Programs," feature does keep a listing of your most recent Downloaded programs, occasionally this feature fails to remember your place in each of the programs. It should be noted though that your Saved Programs are available on every TV in your home connected to the coaxial.

With minor adjustments to the system functionality a vision of a future without DVDs or even DVRs is coming into focus. As storage capacities and bandwidth availability grows, allowing content, providers to store more titles, only the most die hard video fanatics will hang onto their DVD collection. Of course they can always hang out with all the Vinyl, "Analog Sound is Better," Turntable guys.

Finally, for you Tivo-Heads that believe as me that no other DVRs compare, get ready for Comcast's new Tivo integrated DVR with On- Demand! As for all you Direct TV folks; you will have to wait even longer, because On-Demand requires the bi-directional communications provided by Cable alone.

-Richard Okelberry, Managing Editor

New Comcast / TIVO / On-Demand Intigration.