Andre Yoskowitz
6 Jun 2008 0:52
Japan's largest retail chain, Tsutaya, has announced that it will be starting an HD video on demand (VOD) service that will allow users to download titles from home using the acTVila portal that is popular on Japanese plasma and LCD HDTVs.
The chain did not specify what format the videos were in, but did say that users will have 48 hours to watch the films or TV shows as many times as they want.
Tsutaya has over 27 million members and 1,330 branches in Japan and added it plans to make deals with Paramount, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney and NBC Universal to expand its available online library to 2000 titles. The chain also added that "high-speed fiber-optic connections are required for use of the service," and about a quarter of Japan's 48 million homes are currently equipped.
The service is set to launch tomorrow with downloads of the first seasons of Heroes, Lost and Desperate Housewives. Each full length movie will cost 735 yen (about $7 USD) with other prices unknown right now.