The end of linear TV? Orange Cinéma Séries' description

Since November 13, 2008, Orange triple play subscribers can enrol to a new pay TV offer, "Orange Cinéma Séries", which is accessible on TV and PC. The content is usual (series, new films, catalogue films). The technical possibilities are very innovative since the offer has strong non linear and portability aspects.

After each first broadcast of a program opens a period of one month during which the program is accessible on demand on TV (connected to the set-top box), on PC (by streaming or temporary download limited to 7 days) and on mobile phone. Contrary to other catch-up TV offers, the number of on-demand viewings is unlimited.

The offer is also transportable. It is possible to transfer a program downloaded on demand on three digital players (such as Archos & iPods). As if they were screened on PC, the programs downloaded on mobile players can be watched an unlimited number of times during 7 days as of the initial download.

The on-demand service also offers additional films and series which have not been broadcast but which have a thematic link with the linear program. For instance, if the last episode of a saga is broadcast on the TV service, the previous episodes may be available on demand.

Lastly, a service called "startover" should be launched soon. It will allow to start from the beginning a program which is being broadcast.

It is therefore a new form of TV service, an on-demand and multi-screen service. The catch-up TV services are usually accessory to the main activity of TV channels. On the contrary, Orange Cinéma Séries' linear broadcast seems merely designed to promote the on-demand and transportable services.

Click here for the detailed offer (in French)