Video on demand: is it feasible?

The technological feasibility of a video on demand service that is provided from a centralized location over a digital network is examined. The video on demand service is considered to be a service similar to the currently popular videotape rental services. The problem is divided into two parts: communications and database access. It is argued that the incremental communications cost is small, as long as it is assumed that there is already a network with sufficient bandwidth to the customer. A solution to the database access problem that could be implemented with technology available in no more than 10 years is presented