I recently posted about some of the networks releasing many of
their première pilots as free downloads. This is on top of the many
rumours about networks leaking premières on to torrent sites to create
a buzz.
Now, to add to that, NBC is now offering free downloads of
their
popular shows via a new service they call NBC Direct.
Shows such as The Office, 30 Rock, and Heroes will be available to
download to your desktop using the NBC Direct
software.
The
initial
beta launch will provide users with a free subscription option allowing
the viewer to pre-select their NBC shows and then those shows will
auto-download to their computer once available (after the
broadcast).
A Step In The Right Direction
DRM will be included on the downloads so the software will
allow users
to view each episode for up to one week before the shows
“expire”.
Unfortunately there will be advertising included, but hey – it’s
certainly a step in the right direction.
I’m beginning to
think NBC
understands their TV world is shifting towards the Internet and toward
TV watching flexibility due to Tivo’s DVRs and Home Theater PCs.
Here’s a list of the shows that will be
available for download from the new NBC Direct Service
NBC Direct Shows
These will be in beta testing beginning in October:
Heroes
The Office
Life
Bionic Woman
30 Rock
Friday Night Lights
Late Night with Conan O’Brien
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
If
you want to see the new season’s premières now, here’s a run-down of the
new shows that are already available for download and their sources:
The
Bionic Woman – the first, pilot episode is available for free
download now at Amazon Unbox
Chuck
– the first, pilot episode is available for free download now at Amazon
Unbox
Life – the first, pilot episode is
available for free download now at Amazon Unbox
Journeyman
– the first, pilot episode is available for free download now at Amazon
Unbox
The
Big Bang Theory – CBS has this first, pilot episode is
available for free download now at Amazon Unbox & at iTunes
K-Ville – the first, pilot episode
is available for free download now at iTunes or watch it streamed at TV.com
Prison Break – First season
première episode on iTunes
Check them out and let us know by commenting how you found the
different downloads on offer.
This article was written by Brent Evans, a tech & gadget enthusiast. It is licensed under the Creative Commons.
