NBC Universal and Time Warner Cable reached a broad carriage renewal agreement last week that includes video-on-demand rights and new interactive television services. The deal also allows a new start over feature that lets viewers restart shows already in progress.
Some programs from NBC’s USA, CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo and Sci Fi networks will have the capability, Reuters reported. Viewers using the feature, however, will not be able to fast forward past commercials.
Programmers and networks must give Time Warner permission to store and transmit their shows. Many have resisted cable operator pleas to offer shows on a VOD channel for time-shifted viewing, the newspaper said.
NBC also will develop interactive TV services for Time Warner Cable and participate in new technology trials. Several NBC programs will be available on-demand as part of the new agreement.
The pact with NBC was part of a larger two-year deal in which Time Warner agreed to continue carrying NBC Universal’s cable channels — including newcomers Universal HD and Telemundo Puerto Rico.
