French VOD market may double
Survey finds 61% increase in downloads
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The survey found that around 6 million VOD downloads were made during the first six months of 2008, nearly a 61% increase over the same period a year earlier.
The GfK/NPA report showed that American films enjoyed the biggest VOD growth rate over the year -- 93%, compared with around 20% for French product and 53% for other foreign titles.
"The growth, especially in(subscription video on demand), has been quite tremendous," said NPA managing consultant Jean-Marie Le Guen. "We think the VOD market could perhaps reach E60 million ($88.2 million) from E30 million ($43.7 million) last year."
In three categories -- TV drama series, youth-oriented programs and X-rated films -- average download prices have increased to $5.60 from $4.85 on the year.
French VOD growth has been fueled by fierce competition among the three main providers in Europe's biggest IPTV market -- France Telecom's Orange, Iliad's Free and Neuf Cegetel.
All three now offer basic triple-play packages priced around $44.10 a month.
Cut-rate time-limited VOD offers are also becoming more common. From Sept. 10-22, Orange made 1,000 film titles available for a 24-hour period of unlimited viewing for subscribers to its 24/24 Video package at $1.47 each, two-thirds off the normal fee.
Movie downloads make up about two-thirds of the French VOD market.
