Rich Fiscus
20 Sep 2007 7:30
NBC plans to offer downloads of a limited number of shows starting in October. The downloads will include adds that can't be skipped and will include DRM to only allow playback for a week after the episode airs on TV.
It sounds similar to the BBC's iPlayer, which was launched to a limited number of users earlier this year, although that program is designed specifically for people who pay for TV licenses that are used for BBC funding, and currently allows viewers to watch downloaded programs for up to 30 days.
Although NBC will certainly be criticized for including the ads, their shows are already available without commercials for a fee. They can also be viewed commercial free with a DVR, or streamed from NBC's website.
"With the creation of this new service, we are acknowledging that now, more than ever, viewers want to be in control of how, when and where they consumer their favorite entertainment," said Vivi Zigler, executive vice president of NBC Digital Entertainment.
A limited number of shows will initially be available, including "Heroes," "The Office," "Life," "Bionic Woman," "30 Rock," "Friday Night Lights," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
The service will require a client that NBC will provide on their website. Only a Windows version is available at this time, although a Macintosh version is planned, as is portable device support. Future versions of the player will include a feature to subscribe to shows for automatic download. Eventually hi-def content should also be available through the creation of a closed P2P network.
Source: Associated Press