Comcast starts 'On Demand' service here Comcast starts 'On Demand' service here (May 25, 2005)

Video on demand is now available to Comcast digital cable customers in Menlo Park, Woodside, Portola Valley and Atherton, the company has announced.

The new service, On Demand, was launched May 11 after two years of installation at a cost of $600 million, the company said.

Viewers will be able to rewind, fast forward and pause programs, and store many selections for up to 24 hours from the time of ordering.

There are three categories of On Demand:

** Network shows. More than 80 percent are available on On Demand at no extra charge over the cost of digital cable service, the company said.

** Films. Customers may choose from a library of films priced at $2.99 to $3.99 each. Customers can watch a movie as many times as they wish over a 24-hour period.

** Premium channels. Those who subscribe to premium channels, such as HBO and Showtime, can access a library of shows, such as "The Sopranos," from that network.

In addition to On Demand, customers who subscribe to Comcast digital cable will receive more than 250 channels, including commercial-free movie channels, Comcast said.

The cost of standard cable locally is $45.99 a month. Cost for the minimum level of digital cable is $60 a month.

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