Tiscali  has launched an video-on-demand service through which people can download films and TV programmes to buy or rent.

The internet service provider joins a healthy band of companies, such as BT and Virgin Media which offer VOD. Prices are comparable with the high street video store but the hook for consumers is being able to access the films of their choice in their own home.

Dubbed Movies Now, Tiscali's partnership with digital film distribution company, Arts Alliance Media, has a library of over 500 films including The Bourne Identity, Bridget Jones and Children of Men as well as TV programmes from specialist channels such as National Geographic .

Users can choose to download or rent the programmes; once the download is completed, the licence gives the user up to seven days in which to watch the film.

Once playback has begun, the film can be played as many times as the viewer likes within a 48 hour playback period. Tiscali said licence deals with some films in future however may restrict this period to 24 hours.

The films or programmes can be watched on a PC or if the user has the necessary hardware and home network configuration – it can be streamed to their TV according to Tiscali.

Prices for the rental service start from 99p, with the latest blockbuster films priced at £2.99 or at super high quality for £3.49.

For those wishing to buy and download films, prices start at £4.99 for classics with blockbusters priced at £14.99. However the films can only be burned to DVD once which doesn't allow for any leeway should any problems occur during the burning process.

Alex Hole, Online Media Director, Tiscali UK said: “We are living in an on-demand society and there is a real consumer hunger for on-demand media and entertainment.

"Tiscali has been offering films on-demand for some time, but we are now pleased to offer a comprehensive top quality catalogue that includes new and classic blockbusters. We look forward to working with Arts Alliance Media to further develop the catalogue of movies and entertainment programmes available to our customers."