French say 'Oui' to VOD

Report shows 7 million customers use service

By DAVID HAYHURST

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PARIS -- More than 7 million French consumers have used video-on-demand, according to Gallic media market researcher Mediametrie.

That number includes almost 20% of people 15-24, says VOD 360, a joint report by Mediametrie and consulting agency NPA, which predicts that the VOD market in France could be worth e184 million ($292 million) by 2012.

France is now the European leader for VOD, with 40 services including Canal Plus' Canal Play and commercial broadcaster TF1's TF1 Vision.

Beginning April 24, TF1 Vision will add season four of "House" to its roster of U.S. drama series available on VOD one day after their American broadcasts.

Launched in September, the Premium Vision service includes the latest seasons of "Lost" and "Heroes," the latter drawing more than 50,000 paying viewers in its first three days.