[Peter Litler]

Using VOD isn't the same as playing a DVD.
The bit rate used for VOD is much less than the maximum a DVD can achieve, so the picture quality can end up looking lower.
VOD can't playback at variable speeds because it doesn't really increase the speed at all.
What it actually does is to access another file that contains a fixed fast speed version of the programme.
When normal play is resumed, it accesses the same point on the normal speed file that was reached upon the fast speed file.

VOD restarts from the beginning if you stop viewing the programme, because the system's resources have to be shared between customers.
This explains why when VOD is held in pause for too long, an on-screen message will appear asking if you wish to continue viewing the programme.
If you click on "continue" it should then re-access the programme on the VOD server.

So there are still advantages in viewing programmes from off DVD.