NBC Sidesteps iTunes with Free TV Downloads

September 21st, 2007

NBC is taking the gloves off in a blow-by-blow match against Apple’s iTunes that has the digital media world on the edge of its seat. On Wednesday, the “Big Three” broadcaster announced plans to offer limited free downloads of some of its most popular television shows.Dubbed NBC Direct, the company’s latest digital media initiative gives consumers access to programs such as “Heroes” and “The Office” — with advertisements included — beginning in October.

For up to one week after the shows air on television, consumers running Windows can download and view them. Advertisements are embedded in the digital media files, and viewers will not be able to fast-forward through them. Seven days after the broadcasts air, the files expire.

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