TVNZ On Demand is live
Users can access the shows in two ways: by streaming the content (which is always free), or downloading the content (which attracts a cost).
Downloaded content is paid for with PlayPoints, which can be purchased in batches of $10, $20, $50 or $100. A 30 minute programme will cost 4 PlayPoints, or about $2. When you register you get 20 bonus PlayPoints (the site says 10 bonus PlayPoints but my experience was different).
Downloads are fast, and through Akamai servers, but the Download Manager is less than perfect in terms of user interaction. I've downloaded a 23 minute show (30 minutes without the advertising) weighing in 225MB and all worked ok. The first time I tried to play the .WMV file it asked for my user name and password, or offered the option to create an account right there.
The file played on Windows Vista and WMP 11 with no problems at all. The quality was really good even on full screen, and with no artifacts I could see.
To be fair, all streaming shows are free though.
The website is quite nice, and they are going to make some money with advertising I see... Not a problem seeing that somehow they need to pay for the free streaming. But they could put a bit of effort and make that welcome e-mail better looking.
All in all, a great initiative. A shame Telecom New Zealand's plans for IPTV haven't come true yet, even after a couple of years of work on their part. And I do hope the Internet infrastructure in this country is well looked after, because this kind of service will no doubt stress the networks even more...
UPDATE: There is a good discussion about TVNZ On Demand on Geekzone.
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Other related posts:
What copyright really means in New Zealand
The Internet: bad and good according to Jeff Jarvis
Migrated to Microsoft Online Services at the end
Comment by bradstewart, on 20-MAR-2007 15:20
How big was this 23minute show?
Comment by barf, on 20-MAR-2007 15:52
all my PCs have a problem with this site. it gets stuck on the last frame of the advertisment and won't load the clip i'm trying to watch - unless it doesn't have an advert first then it works fine.
Comment by paradoxsm, on 20-MAR-2007 16:09
DRM, EW, WMV, EW....It won't be getting any of my business...
Congrats to TVNZ for providing such a surprisingly good site, The classics are a very much welcome addition. and the best part is much of it is in Flash Video .FLV format which means high quality sound compared to Windows Media and also means an easy "rip away" ;-)
... Thanks TVNZ ;-D
Comment by Felix Five, on 20-MAR-2007 17:27
windows drm is annoying, though a fix has been released...
FairUse4WM only works for content you have paid for (licensed), but does remove play limitations... works on all versions of windows including vista, but is currently illegal to use in NZ...
Comment by juha, on 21-MAR-2007 14:03
Is it illegal to use in NZ? I'm not so sure, not until the onerous Copyright Amendment Bill is passed which will make breaking wind in the wrong direction without the studios' permission illegal and punishable by several years in prison.
Comment by Darren Houia, on 19-DEC-2007 11:20
thank you for this page i think its very good
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Comment by nutbugs, on 20-MAR-2007 15:14
12 one hour shows would be $50 would it not? 100 playpoints? Still plenty to people off buying a series - especially for only 7 days viewing! Looks like TVNZ have done a good job though :)