More VOD
Comcast [CMCSA] will trial Rentrak’s "VOD Essentials" system for measuring and reporting anonymous VOD usage data in Philly this May. Comcast hopes the system will help it and programmers better understand viewer preferences for VOD content. It could be an important tool in programming negotiations as the MSO continues to try and secure more and more content for its free on demand platform. — Insight [ICCI] inked an SVOD deal with ABC News that features 20 hours of programming, including "Nightline" excerpts, Reuters reports. The ABC News content would be included on a sports and news VOD package that will cost $4.99/month and include content from about 7 providers. Insight has previously said it’s interested in developing a slate of themed VOD packages (Cfax, 4/25/03).