MUMBAI: North America's leading video-on-demand (VOD) provider Anime Network will soon go on air as a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week network. The company has signed an agreement on this regard with Insight Communications, the ninth largest cable operator in the United States.

The Insight agreement represents Anime Network's first 24/7 agreement with a major multisystem cable operator (MSO). Insight expects to roll out the Anime Network on its Digital tier in several markets, informs an official release.

As one of the most successful VoD offerings available to cable and satellite subscribers, Anime Network holds the distinction of being the only independent network ever launched from a VoD programming service. Now this new step will see Anime Network's move to a new level by giving fans non-stop anime action of feature films and television series such as Noir, Spriggan, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, Tekken, Golden Boy, Ninja Resurrection, Samurai X: The Motion Picture, Comic Party, Gravion, Kaleidostar, Orphen, Final Fantasy, Chobits, BoogiePop Phantom, Peacemaker and Chrono Crusade, adds the release.

"We believe Anime Network's linear network will enhance and add value to our digital line-up by providing a destination for our customers who are a part of the growing number of fans of the Anime genre," says Terry Denson, vice president of programming at Insight.

Says Corcoran of the Anime Network, "With this agreement, we have achieved a major milestone on behalf of Anime Network, and are proud of our standing as the only independent ever launched from a VoD start."

Corcoran further adds that they are taking up this challenge to prove to other MSO's that the Anime Network is a viable and valuable network and one they should offer their subscribers.