The Anime Network, the first U.S. channel devoted exclusively to anime programming, has announced that it has reached an agreement with one of the ten largest cable companies in the country, which will allow it to function as a 'full-fledged cable network' and escape the 'Video On Demand' ghetto.  Founded by ADV Films (see 'ADV To Launch 24-Hour Anime Network'), the Anime Network began as a 'Video On Demand' service available on just a few cable systems, and then gradually increased its coverage across the country (see 'Anime Network Expands VOD Territories').  Given the competition for the limited bandwidth available to cable and satellite providers, it is a testament to ADV's persistence and anime fans' enthusiasm that the Anime Network has been able to make the jump from a Video On Demand service to a full-fledged cable network.  ADV has not yet released the name of the cable company that will be carrying the Anime Network -- we hope it will be the first of many.