Third test for TV-on-demand

By JOE FLINT

Discovery Communications Inc. Monday launched its third test of Your Choice TV, the video-on-demand system that allows cable subscribers to view shows when they want to -- not when the programs are scheduled to air.

The four-month test -- with Syracuse New Channels serving 2,100 cable subscribers in Syracuse, New York -- will give viewers access to 16 channels offering programing from ABC and NBC for about $ 1 per show.

Shows offered by the two networks are limited to in-house productions including ABC's "20/20,""All My Children,""Nightline," or "In Concern," and NBC's "Tonight Show,""Saturday Night Live" and "Dateline NBC."

Non-network-produced programming is not available as of yet on Your Choice because the networks and Discovery have not yet figured out how to share revenues between cable operator, network and copyright holder.

Discovery's first test, in West Palm Beach, Fla., was set to end next week but has been extended.