Sony Pictures Television Networks will turn Animax, its pay-TV channel for the fans of Japanese cartoon series (animes), into a video-on-demand (VOD) service in Germany from July 1, 2016.

In return, Animax will be closed down as a conventional linear TV channel, a spokeswoman confirmed to Broadband TV News.

According to Sony Pictures Television Networks, the move is a reaction to the very strong non-linear usage of Animax content and the growing demand by viewers to watch the programmes on demand.

With the conversion, Animax will also adopt a new design and take over the logo of the Japanese umbrella brand.

No details were given on the pricing structure of the VOD service.