Arqiva to launch Kangaroo-based VOD

Arqiva is to launch a new video on demand service using the technology behind Project Kangaroo, the VOD venture from BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4 that was blocked by the Competition Commission.

The transmission firm confirmed it has acquired Kangaroo's hardware and software technology and related intellectual property. Combined, the assets "provide the technical basis of a VOD platform designed for a content aggregation service, where a wide variety of TV content is brought together in a one-stop-shop for long-form video content".

Arqiva, which owns and operates the UK terrestrial TV infrastructure, said it would launch the assets to launch a new video on demand service with "top-end quality content from leading broadcasters and independent content providers" for UK consumers within months.

"We are delighted to have reached this agreement to acquire the platform assets of Project Kangaroo," said Steve Holebrook, Arqiva's managing director for terrestrial broadcast. "Arqiva and its direct predecessors have been delivering linear analogue and digital TV services to UK viewers for many decades and we're currently upgrading the TV network to deliver DSO. We believe that online video-on-demand is an exciting and complementary development, and a natural extension to our traditional broadcast business."