4oD (4 on demand). A total flop. (Channel 4)

Member Name: Magik

Product:	Channel 4
Date:	07/10/08 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Its there, you can watch your programmes.

Disadvantages: Some programmes and films cost you to watch! Very limited.

Let me just say, I am not writing this review on the whole of channel 4, but on 4oD (4 on demand). Just thought I'd clear that up before I started.

4oD was lauched in 2006 and allows some internet, Virgin Media, Tiscali TV and BT Vision users to view programs that were recently shown on Channel 4, E4 or More4 from channel 4's archives. It it free and allows the user to stream and / or download versions of programmes for thirty days after its broadcast on Channel 4.

Seems all good right? Better than iPlayer because the programmes are on for a longer time? Wrong. Most of the other programmes and films are charged for on a per-download basis which is around around 99p per standard programme or £1.99 per film!

Another downside is that it is only avalible to UK and Rep. of Ireland, and thats not all it is limited too- Only Windows XP (32 bit editions only) and Windows Vista, PC users can view it.

Compared to BBC iPlayer, and even ITV Catchup, 4oD is not worth the hassle. Let's face it, there isn't really THAT much to miss on channel four anyway. No offence if you actually do watch the channel loads. :P

Summary: Not really worth the hassle.