Ever since the days of the old VCR, television viewers have been demanding more choice and more control, and over the years, technology has delivered, evolving the viewing experience into something that has become more and more user-centric.Pay-per-View technology was a breakthrough in that it enabled viewers to reach a whole new level of control, allowing them to choose from a menu of events and shows and a selection of viewing times. With the advent of digital cable and two-way communications capabilities built into networks and equipment, viewers gained the option to order Pay-per-View programming using only their remotes — no need to even get up off the couch!Digital technology also gave rise to interactive programme guides — both online and on-screen — that allow viewers to see what’s on for up to one full week out, and to do things like create a favourites list, sort upcoming programming by network, genres, times, and other key criteria. Parental control technology built into the set-top boxes gave parents the ability to block inappropriate programming from young viewers.With the arrival of the DVR, and the advanced digital services that surround it, viewer control took another leap forward. Those advances have enabled television viewers to transform their living rooms into full-blown electronic entertainment centres, recording and storing shows and playing them back when they want to, even pausing and rewinding in mid-show.The digital revolution continues, and now, at the click of a remote, comes the ultimate level of viewer control — Video-on-Demand, or VOD.At CableVision, we have been installing and testing this technology, and we are gearing up to launch it, starting in Somerset, and moving eastward parish by parish. We call it “anytime entertainment,” because, for the first time, viewers can browse and access a huge library of programming options that they can watch on their schedules, when they want, and even pause and rewind the programming they’re viewing. With VOD, if you don’t want to wait till 3pm to order a movie, you can go to Channel 500, browse around and choose to watch one at 2.48pm.Viewers will have access to both free and paid programming, and all they will need is their remote control. Ordering paid programming will require a purchase PIN, the same one used for Pay-per-View movies and events. This protects the subscriber from unauthorised use of their account, and it can be registered online or at CableVision’sThe VOD content on channel 500 will be updated regularly, with movies, events, children’s programming, sports and more.But, why should you be content to just watch TV when you can get involved in it? As viewer control has increased, so has viewer interactivity. More and more networks, and their shows’ celebrities, are reaching out to fans on Twitter and Facebook, and engaging a live dialogue with viewers that can even change the outcome of a show or series. Networks today have their fingers on the pulse of their viewers in ways never thought possible just a few years ago, and for those using a “second screen” while watching TV, the viewing experience has gotten richer. Now you can look up the lyrics to that song a contestant just flubbed in a singing competition, or read a live blog that breaks down issues during a political debate, or just enjoy the digital chatter that makes the rounds during a reality TV show.You can also make your voice heard on various issues. Send a video to a CNN.com with your question for an upcoming interview with anyone from Kelly Osbourne to Piers Morgan. Meantime, networks like DIY are enabling viewers to interact with other home improvement enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers through Facebook and Twitter. New online communities around shows and celebrities are springing up all over the place, so almost anyone can find someone out there in TV land with a shared interest.