Amazon, one of the first companies to sell goods on the Internet, has launched a beta version video on demand (VOD) service. Users have 40,000 films and TV shows to choose from and can, for a rental fee, download them onto their computers for viewing. No special software is required but Internet access is a must.

Films are for rental only and Amazon does not charge a subscription fee. Disney is the only major studio not supplying product for the service and likewise the Disney-owned TV network ABC.

Meanwhile, still on subjects digital, a Nielsen Media Research report states that 25% of American households are now equipped with digital video recorders. More than 30% of the 28 million homes with DVRs have more than one.

(Source: Studio Briefing)