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NBC Direct to Offer TV Shows

NBC announced today that they will be launching a new service called "NBC Direct" which will allow users to download and view NBC's popular primetime shows to their desktops for free and watch them for up to one week after broadcast.

The first version of this software will launch in October for Windows PCs only, but "future versions" are said to add Mac compatibility.

At launch the shows will include "Heroes," "The Office," "Life," "Bionic Woman," "30 Rock," "Friday Night Lights," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

In 2008, NBC plans to offer expanded sales options which could include download-to-own, rental and subscription models.

NBC recently withdrew from future iTunes distribution of their television shows due to a contract dispute with Apple.

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57 months ago
WTF? Why aren't macs supported?!!!!
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57 months ago
Let's all take bets, see how long it takes NBC to realize they were making more money selling through iTunes (the most popular music and video download store ever) than from advertisers on this service that no one will use.
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57 months ago

WTF? Why aren't macs supported?!!!!


Prob. because they are using POS Windows Media.

Expect a solution once Microsoft Silverlight ships well enough to handle the video.

This is what netflix has said I think the case will be the same here.

Stupid NBC.
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57 months ago
This is the dumbest idea ever and a step backwards for Internet distribution.
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57 months ago
30 Rock love.
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57 months ago
I don't get the "one week after broadcast". Why not expire them one week after download? This effectively means you can never 'catch up' on a season, only watch something within 6 days of missing it. Pretty much useless.
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57 months ago
So...

They would rather make nothing on their shows? Oh wait, advertising revenue. You can guarantee that this new "free" service will have commercials and no way to skip them. Thanks. Just what I wanted... the need to fire up my piece of crap PC and then watch commercials.

NBC is DUM!

Neuroguy
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57 months ago

30 Rock love.


I was buying each ep. for my iphone until NBC announce their withdrawal.

Now I am just going to TiVo it.
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57 months ago
Hmmm ...let me get this straight, they're going to offer them for free this year, then change the model in 08 and start charging?

Brilliant marketing plan! (sarcasm intended)
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57 months ago
Amazon must be happy.
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