Video On Demand (VOD) Frequently Asked Questions
What is Video on Demand (VOD)?
Video on Demand (VOD) is a digital interactive television service. It allows users to browse an interactive VOD programming menu and, at any time, select content for viewing over a network.
Unlike traditional cable network and pay-per-view (PPV) services, VOD allows customers to select the program start time, pause and rewind the playback, and view the content, in whole or in part, any number of times over a set period of time.
VOD content is stored on the service provider’s network and periodically updated via satellite downloads.
What do I do if I cannot access the VOD menu from Channel 1?
Call OpenBand Customer Service at (703) 961-1110. OpenBand may need to refresh your set-top box.
What do I do if the VOD Menu will not let me View/Preview/Purchase VOD programming?
Call OpenBand Customer Service at (703) 961-1110. Most technical VOD problems experienced by the end user generate an Error Code on the television screen. Please make note of the 4-digit Error Code displayed. An OpenBand Customer Service Representative will create a Trouble Ticket for you. You will need to provide that Error Code.
VOD is a new service. Some customers may experience technical issues during the initial launch. OpenBand will address these new service issues as quickly as possible, and your cooperation is appreciated.
What are the different types of VOD programming?
Typically, users pay a fee for access to VOD content. In the case of movies, users select the movie they wish to view and agree to pay a one-time fee. This purchase provides unlimited access to the content over a set period of time, usually twenty-four (24) hours.
Users may also purchase some VOD content on a subscription basis, Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD). In this case, the user orders a monthly subscription to the SVOD service from the cable service provider and receives unlimited monthly access to that content for a set monthly fee.
Other VOD content is available free to users, Free Video on Demand (FVOD) or Free on Demand (FOD). Users are provided unlimited access to FOD contentfor as long as that content resides on the network and incur no charges apply.
Some Premium Network VOD content is provided free to customers who already subscribe to the standard (linear) channel/service from that same network or programming provider. (i.e., if a customer pays to receive the XYZ channel, within the cable service provider’s regular channel line up, then he will have unlimited access to VOD content from XYZ channel at no additional charge.)
What equipment does a customer need to use VOD?
In order to use VOD service, customers must subscribe to digital service and have digital equipment (i.e., set-top receiver and remote) at the TV where VOD content is to be viewed. All Southern Walk residents receive one set-top receiver and remote through their HOA fees. If a customer wishes to access VOD service at multiple television locations, he/she will need to lease additional digital equipment.
How do I access VOD service?
To access VOD service, TUNE TO CHANNEL ONE.
Then, use your remote control to navigate the VOD Menu.Use the Arrow Keys, the SELECT button and the “A”, “B” and “C” buttons to navigate the VOD Menu and preview/purchase VOD programming.
Once viewing VOD programming, use the PLAY, REWIND and FF buttons to control playback.
Exit VOD service at any time by using the STOP button or the Channel Up/Down buttons. The STOP button pauses playback and then returns you to the VOD Menu. The Channel Up/Down buttons return you to regular television service.
Are there Parental Controls for VOD?
Yes. Parental Controls are included within the IPG for your set-top box. These Parental Controls work for VOD content, as well as regular cable television programming.
Use your set-top box and remote control to enable Parental Controls and Purchase Controls.
From the VOD Menu, select the HELP function, using the yellow “A” button. Select PARENTAL CONTROLS. Instructions are provided on the right side of the screen.
What do I do if my PLAY, REWIND and FAST FORWARD buttons do not work?
The All -Touch 2000 Series remote controls distributed with the Explorer 2200 and 3250HD set-top boxes have a VCR/VOD button in the lower right corner of the remote. Try adjusting the position of this button.
Will there be more VOD content available in the future?
Yes. Initially, the OpenBand VOD library will offer movies, events and free children’s and special interest programming. Following the VOD service launch and a reasonable demo period (2-3 months), OpenBand will begin to expand the initial VOD content package to include additional content from third party providers. Newly added content will include a variety of SVOD, FOD and Premium Network VOD content. OpenBand customers will be notified by Customer Service email of all newly available VOD content.
How does VOD differ from Pay-Per-View?
With Video On Demand, you pick what you want to watch and when you want to watch it. Traditional pay per view limits you to set movie/event schedules where the Programmer dictates the titles and start times.
Video On Demand allows you to stop, pause, rewind and fast-forward the program. Traditional pay per view does not allow these controls.
You can view your VOD purchase as many times as you like within your set viewing/purchase period, typically 24 hours. With traditional pay per view, customers purchase a single viewing.
How much does VOD cost?
You must have a digital set-top box (any SA Explorer model from OpenBand) and remote control to access the service. No additional equipment or fees are required for access to VOD service.
Customers can access a variety of programming from the Free-On-Demand menu, and there is no fee for accessing and viewing this free VOD content.
Customers may also choose to purchase premium/pay VOD content such as Movies and Events. This programming is subject to a per-purchase fee, very similar to the fees charged for traditional pay per view. Movies are typically $2.99-$3.99. Adult movies start at $7.50. Event pricing will vary by event.
You will see charges for your premium/pay VOD programming purchases itemized on your OpenBand monthly invoice.
When I purchase a VOD title, how long do I have access to it?
The purchase/viewing period for VOD programming is typically 24 hours. You can view the programming as many times as you like during this purchase/viewing period. You can access your “Saved Programs” from the VOD Menu.
How often is VOD content updated?
The Video on Demand library is updated daily.