Global multi-screen video software provider SeaChange International (News - Alert) announced that integrated communications provider SureWest (News - Alert) Communications has upgraded its SeaChange-based video-on-demand (VOD) service to VODlink 5.0, the latest generation of SeaChange’s VOD software applications platform. The upgrade at SureWest’s Kansas City system enabled the operator to introduce SeaChange’s Watch & Buy T-Commerce application to its subscribers.

SureWest will use Watch & Buy to allow subscribers to purchase, for home delivery, DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions of Warner Bros.’ on-demand streamed movies directly through their VOD subscriber experience. SeaChange has configured several first-run titles from Warner Bros. studios for disc purchase in Kansas City the same day they are released for VOD viewing, including “Arthur,” “Hall Pass,” “Something Borrowed,” “Sucker Punch,” “Red Riding Hood” and “Unknown.”

In addition to launching Watch & Buy, SureWest is also leveraging VODlink 5.0 to provide its subscribers with faster VOD navigation and program launch times along with enhanced graphics capabilities for its user experience. VODlink is integrated with SeaChange’s Axiom on Demand VOD back office at SureWest, and can work with other third-party VOD products.

“SureWest is operating in an intensely competitive market in Kansas City, and we see our upgrade to VODlink 5.0 and the launch of Watch & Buy as a significant step in differentiating the services and experiences we can offer to current and potential subscribers,” said Ken Johnson, vice president and chief technology officer of SureWest, in a statement.

“Being the first to deploy both VODlink 5.0 and Watch & Buy is indicative of SureWest’s ability to continuously embrace new technologies and advanced services,” added Johnson.

Likewise, Anthony Landamia, executive director of product management at SeaChange commented, “This marks a major milestone in true T-Commerce, as this is the first time all the partners, technologies and business models have been properly aligned to provide a true end-to-end solution that can be scaled nationally.”