Video on Demand is an interactive multimedia system that has a large database of movies or television programs from which people can choose and receive when and where they want it. This system allows users to select and watch video content over a network as part of an interactive television system. Individual customers in an area are able to watch different programs when they wish to. VOD technology allows the service provider to store digitally all these valuable assets, while different people can access simultaneously to different or the same content.
VOD is a service where cable customers who have digital cable STB are able to order an event at anytime much like people do with PPV. VOD is superior to PPV because:
The customer can flexibly choose programs and literally order the program at anytime hence the term-on demand.
In addition VOD gives the customer complete VCR functionality i.e., user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the show or movie while watching.
Maintenance of VOD Events
User can import data into the catalogue and schedule the catalogue items and pricing for the VOD events. The event catalogue captures rental interval (hours, days, weeks) for unlimited views per rental, grace interval (minutes) which permits free previews of movies & controls, and supports automatic date-based movie activation & de-activation.
Event Listing screen shows the complete list of events that are available for ordering. This screen maintains the price and related attribute values for the events.
Status of the event is ACTIVE or INACTIVE.
To purchase certain events a corresponding package/service/subscription should be available with the customer. Only an external Id associated with such an active package may be used to sell such dependent events.
Asset Management
Details of each movie, sports event or music album etc can be stored as Asset details. Asset details are captured and posted into events for sale as VOD events. There may be different categories of assets with different ratings from various suppliers. Assets may be offered as On Demand events and can be anytime purchasable.
Asset Listing screen displays all the defined assets in the system. The Asset related attributes such as, Asset Name, Category, Rating, Class, and Status can be seen in this page.
Ordering VOD Events
VOD events can be ordered through a live CSR, SMS, or Self Care.
Customers may call up/approach the CSR to order the required VOD events. The CSR in turn enters the details in the system. The events can also be ordered through SMS. Alternatively, while ordering through Self Care, the customers need to sign up with valid Login ID and Password and select the VOD events of their choice.
VOD events are booked through Events Order screen.
Canceling VOD Events
The ordered VOD events can be processed for cancellation for various reasons through Usage Presentment screen.
While defining an event in Event screen, if Allow Cancellation option is set as Yes, then user is allowed to cancel the event. However, cancellation of event is not possible if the cancellation deadline of that particular event is over. After an event is cancelled, the amount is credited to the customer account.
Credit Limit Enforcement
Every VOD service has a periodic Usage Limit, which can also be changed if required. The usage limit varies from customer to customer. As part of order processing/fulfillment, the usage control is enforced. The enforcement can be in terms of threshold defined in the units of measurement of the event. For example, ten music downloads, fifteen wallpaper downloads, etc.
After Usage limit is reached, the customer is not allowed to purchase any more VOD events. This is a very important feature especially when the customers are billed after the usage of service.
Service Activation/Deactivation
Billing & CRM solution communicates with external system in 2-way synchronous and asynchronous modes. Event scheduled information, asset information are received from external systems either in batch or online mode and posted to the Assets. Purchase requests are also received from external systems and the required actions (check credit limit, post Charges etc.) are taken and appropriate responses are sent back. The activation and deactivation requests are instantaneously sent to the Conditional Access Systems.
Real Time Charge Generation
On demand services require posting of charges as soon as the event is sold and require credit adjustments if a sold event is cancelled and corresponding credits are defined. A utility to post bulk adjustments are made available to post adjustments in case of bad service.