So, you could be staying at a hotel and you switch on the hotel television and after fiddling with it for a while, you will get a video on demand menu come up (this will vary from hotel to hotel but the principle's the same). You will be given the option to view a film from the hotel's video selection. Selecting a film is done simply, by either calling up room service or by you clicking the relevant television remote buttons. Then you just tune in at the right time or sick back and wait (variation again).

Cable TV video on the demand is just the same only you can call in a request from the comfort of your own home.

It has been said that in the future will be possible via the Internet. With the introduction of Internet television and the improvements in transmission medias it seems a definite possibility.