Five plans VoD relaunch as Demand Five

Five Download - the broadcaster's internet video service - is to be relaunched under the new name Demand Five.

Thirty-day catch-up and archive content from Five, Five US and Fiver will be available via streaming and download applications.

Most content will be free - there will be pre-roll and banner advertising - though some US dramas will cost 99p per episode. There could also be advance-release episodes costing £1.99, Brand Republic reports.

Five is planning an on-air campaign to support the relaunch in late May. The broadcaster is also in talks for Demand Five to join on-demand television services. Virgin Media's cable service currently carries 4oD while the BBC's iPlayer is expected to join in May.

Jon Lewis, head of digital media, said Five wanted to sign up an exclusive sponsor for the launch.

"Advertisers can own this service from launch and there are cross-platform opportunities," he said. "Further down the line, we will package up content, such as the best of US drama, to promote it on air.

"The other video-on-demand propositions have established what on-demand is - and we can now focus on the content."