NBC and CBS Offering OnDemand Episodes

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

NBC and CBS announced (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/051108/on_demand_shows.html?.v=4) that they would be offering replays of prime-time television shows for $.99 per episode on an On-Demand basis through Comcast (CBS) and DirecTV (NBC).

Some details are avaiable. CBS's shows will retain their commercials. NBC's shows will be available for one week after their broadcast (no commercials).

Apple's recent release of iTunes with Video appears to have sparked more interest in on-demand video content. Apple current offers a number of ABC prime-time shows for $1.99/each.

Many are waiting to see if Apple can negotiate deals with other networks. NBC has made comments (http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=internetNews&storyID=2005-11-07T193148Z_01_KNE770277_RTRUKOC_0_US-MEDIA-NBCUNIVERSAL-PIRACY.xml), however, that while they are looking into digital distribution many venues do not have enough protections in place.

[Over Achiever]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)
Apple's recent release of iTunes with Video appears to have sparked more interest in on-demand video content. Apple current offers a number of CBS prime-time shows for $1.99/each. I thought they only offered ABC (and Disney) shows at the moment?

[deputy_doofy]

I thought they were ABC?
You beat me to it. Was going to say the same thing.

[AoWolf]

I thought they were ABC?

Yeah I thought that too. I hope this stuff makes it onto the video iPods it will be interesting to see if a market comes out of this.

[DavidLeblond]

So in order to pay $1 to watch an episode of a show that you missed, you need what exactly? They mention the DVR in the article, making it seem like you'd need the DVR to access the service (paying extra for the DVR of course)... so... why not record the show in the first place?

Of course they probably have some plan to monkey around with the timeslots to try to trip up the DVRs and force people into paying $1 per episode.

Yeeah... something tells me Santa won't be bringing THEM any gifts this year.

[agentkow]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Apple current offers a number of CBS prime-time shows for $1.99/each.



That would be ABC, I'm pretty sure, but we don't actually get those shows in Canada. Well we get those shows on our TV's, just they won't let us have them on our computers.

[EricNau]

I think NBC & CBS are going to be dissapointed with their sales, not only because it's not through iTunes, but because their shows aren't as good as ABC's either.

[mwwlse]

Blah, the shows reside on your cable box, in NBC's case for only 24 hours. This is rubbish; they are completely missing the point. Comcast "on demand" already offers a ton of programming for free, and now NBC and CBS want to charge. This does nothing to allow the user to take the shows with them, keep it permanently, or otherwise add real value. These networks don't get it.

[yellow5]

Why do these networks continue to miss the point of downloadable content?

[EricNau]

Why do these networks continue to miss the point of downloadable content?
Why do you think ABC is in first place, and NBC is last? ;)

[andiwm2003]

i don't really get it.:confused:

does that mean i can download the stuff to my computer and own it like in itunes?

or do i need some extra stuff like this dvr or a special comcast subscription? in that case its easier to buy a $20 vcr and tape it the old fashioned way.

anything that is less than buying the shows via internet and have them as mpeg (even with drm) is of no interest to me.

edit: seems other people also don't see the point in this "offer".

[yellow5]

I think FOX actually has some of my favorite shows on it. (Arrested Development, Family Guy, American Dad, etc)

But Apple needs to get negotiating because their current offering of TV shows is embarrassing.

But I agree it is HARD when the other side won't budge at all.

[hyperpasta]

This misses the point of downloading. It's Pay-Per-View On Demand. Hopefully iTunes can still nab FOX, and this deal isn't exclusive.

[WeBleed4Real]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Apple current offers a number of CBS prime-time shows for $1.99/each.



Uh oh. Unreliable source!! People are going to be searching iTunes for all those episodes of Jennifer Love Hewitt running around on The Ghost Whisperer...Ooooo....

[jdechko]

I agree with a lot of what has already been said... It makes no sense for the networks to operate like this. If a DVR is required, why not record it in the first place. I think that they might be upset that iTVS went live with only ABC/Disney stuff and they are trying to spite Apple by going it alone. I hope that Apple just hands them a figurative tissue and says "now that youre done pitching your little fit, come on and play with us."

I too want FOX programming, as well as some NBC shows... I love scrubs and would quite possibly go for that, and I think that Joey and My Name is Earl are quite interesting as well.

[DavidLeblond]

I agree with a lot of what has already been said... It makes no sense for the networks to operate like this. If a DVR is required, why not record it in the first place. I think that they might be upset that iTVS went live with only ABC/Disney stuff and they are trying to spite Apple by going it alone. I hope that Apple just hands them a figurative tissue and says "now that youre done pitching your little fit, come on and play with us."

I too want FOX programming, as well as some NBC shows... I love scrubs and would quite possibly go for that, and I think that Joey and My Name is Earl are quite interesting as well.

DVR: "I see you've recorded CSI! $.99 will be added to your already huge Comcast bill. Thank you for bending over and taking it!"

I forsee it happening.

[lopresmb]

you'll probably need a digital cable box that has the indemand / PPV ordering system built into it. I would assume that having DVR wouldn't be a requirement at (because why in the world wouldn't you just record it in the first place). yeah, I doubt this will be a very successful endeavor. Maybe it'll make them realize that they should just sign on with iTunes.

The other big downfall -- no iPod (unless you have a cable card in a computer) - and again, you wouldn't have to pay for this in the first place....

[bommai]

Why do you think ABC is in first place, and NBC is last? ;)


Well I work for GE (which owns NBC). So, I bet they are trying to shove in their six sigma methodologies into creative depts like NBC and that is why their show are sucky nowadays. I don't care for their shows.

[shamino]

This is useless. So you need to have a DVR, and they're going to charge you for it? And (in the case of CBS), they're going to leave the commercials in it as well?

If you have a DVR, just program it to record the original broadcast.

The whole concept of paying in order to watch advertisements is morally repugnant.

If they want to do something useful, make the programs available to people without DVRs (internet download). Either for free with commercials or for $1 without commercials.

[bommai]

This misses the point of downloading. It's Pay-Per-View On Demand. Hopefully iTunes can still nab FOX, and this deal isn't exclusive.

Well, I don't know about Fox. They own DirecTV (well they are both owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp). DirecTV has ambitious plans with new satellites getting launched, home media options, etc.

[madmaxmedia]

This is basically their attempt to try to marginalize iTunes. But for various reasons that have been posted, it's a pretty weak effort.

If it does indeed require a DVR, how many people won't have already recorded the shows in the first place? And then all the silly time limits...

[al256]

I just want Viacom to make Comedy Central shows available, South Park anyone?

[EricNau]

Blah, the shows reside on your cable box, in NBC's case for only 24 hours. This is rubbish; they are completely missing the point. Comcast "on demand" already offers a ton of programming for free, and now NBC and CBS want to charge. This does nothing to allow the user to take the shows with them, keep it permanently, or otherwise add real value. These networks don't get it.
Where did it say that it only stays on your dvr for 24 hours?
If that's true it is the second stupidest thing from NBC ever! (Second to Medium in 3-D)
This is why NBC is in last place, because the people running it have the IQ of a pebble.

[mwwlse]

Where did it say that it only stays on your dvr for 24 hours?


Sorry, I read another source that mentioned it, and I meant CBS instead of NBC... here it is:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7B8EB887D9%2D376B%2D457A%2D8C04%2D4E02975535CF%7D&siteid=mktw&dist=

[andiwm2003]

so most of us agree that the offers as they are just suck.

so why do those tv-executives still have their jobs? is that everything they can come up with after weeks of thinking?

can somebody please fire them for stupidity?

[JDOG_]

Uhhhg.

Can't say I'm suprised they'd pull a move like this, just suprised at how many restrictions they're placing on a product that could sell like hotcakes if it were priced right with the right DRM.

Ads in paid content? Looks like they're taking a page from the MPAA :mad:

[EricNau]

so most of us agree that the offers as they are just suck.

so why do those tv-executives still have their jobs? is that everything they can come up with after weeks of thinking?

can somebody please fire them for stupidity?
I would gladly fire them for stupidity. And as they left, I would force the NBC executives to wear their cheap, paper 3D Medium glasses (by far the stupidest idea I've ever seen).

[dongmin]

Sorry, I read another source that mentioned it, and I meant CBS instead of NBC... here it is:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7B8EB887D9%2D376B%2D457A%2D8C04%2D4E02975535CF%7D&siteid=mktw&dist=

Chase Carey, chief executive of DirecTV, said the deal would take the DVR experience to "new levels."

Viacom Co-Chief Operating Officer Les Moonves called the CBS pact an "incredibly exciting evolution," and said video-on-demand is "the next frontier" for the industry

hahahahahahaha

[EricNau]

Sorry, I read another source that mentioned it, and I meant CBS instead of NBC... here it is:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7B8EB887D9%2D376B%2D457A%2D8C04%2D4E02975535CF%7D&siteid=mktw&dist=
This really makes it pointless. Why would anyone buy this?

[Doozy]

<This makes me mad>. I just don't get it. Why would I want to pay to watch something I can record on my DVR for free. I might see some benefit of them editing the comercials out, but it's not that hard to fast-forward.

Wake up networks. Either offer original content on demand, or offer an option to watch progaming on whatever media I want. </This makes me mad>

[ErikGrim]

I would gladly fire them for stupidity. And as they left, I would force the NBC executives to wear their cheap, paper 3D Medium glasses (by far the stupidest idea I've ever seen).As if Medium wasn't a stupid enough concept in the first place. "Based on real life"? More like "based on real life deluded people's fantasies".

[Porchland]

So in order to pay $1 to watch an episode of a show that you missed, you need what exactly? They mention the DVR in the article, making it seem like you'd need the DVR to access the service (paying extra for the DVR of course)... so... why not record the show in the first place?

Of course they probably have some plan to monkey around with the timeslots to try to trip up the DVRs and force people into paying $1 per episode.

Yeeah... something tells me Santa won't be bringing THEM any gifts this year.

I can't speak to how the DirectTV deal would work, but I suspect Comcast will just add this to the Comcast OnDemand menu. As far as I know, this would be the first time Comcast has charged for something you can already get for free.

Sure, if you miss an episode of something it's a good way to catch up, but why does Comcast think people will pay to watch something they can set up to record every episode with the same box.

This doesn't smell right at all. I am a huge Comcast fan, but I would have to seriously consider doing without if my ability to record "Survivor" was suddenly crippled and I had to pay to watch it. Doesn't seem logical that CBS would do that, so I'm hoping it's just an extra.

It would make much more sense to create a supplemental show that gives you extra insight into, say, "Survivor" but doesn't require you to watch it for the show to make sense. A behind-the-scenes weekly show with writers, set builders, etc. I might pay for something like that by the episode of $10 for the season.

[EricNau]

As if Medium wasn't a stupid enough concept in the first place. "Based on real life"? More like "based on real life deluded people's fantasies".
I actually like that show. :p Just not the 3D part.

[puckhead193]

i rather have it on itunes so i can play it on my future 5G ipod..:o

[Porchland]

I think NBC & CBS are going to be dissapointed with their sales, not only because it's not through iTunes, but because their shows aren't as good as ABC's either.

I didn't read the announcements to mean that CBS and NBC won't offer episodes on iTunes or other places as well. The fact that the announcements came on the same day may be an indication that CBS and NBC are trying to negotiate with Apple from a position of strength and make sure they get the right deal.

The big sell of iTunes isn't availability of TV shows; it's portability.

I agree with other posters that DIFFERENT content should not get lost in the shuffle. Download this week's "Desperate Housewives" and get the extra scene they always show on Monday's GMA edited into it. Download this week's "Lost" and get a 4-minute mini-episode delivered to your account on Friday.

[EricNau]

I didn't read the announcements to mean that CBS and NBC won't offer episodes on iTunes or other places as well. The fact that the announcements came on the same day may be an indication that CBS and NBC are trying to negotiate with Apple from a position of strength and make sure they get the right deal.

The big sell of iTunes isn't availability of TV shows; it's portability.

I agree with other posters that DIFFERENT content should not get lost in the shuffle. Download this week's "Desperate Housewives" and get the extra scene they always show on Monday's GMA edited into it. Download this week's "Lost" and get a 4-minute mini-episode delivered to your account on Friday.
I have a feeling if they were trying to work out a deal with Apple, they wouldn't be going to Comcast/DirecTV first.
And the fact that they came out on the same day makes me belive they are trying to go against Apple.

[Sdashiki]

Anyone who is a "Fan" of any cable provider needs to be (as Garfield so eloquently put it) "Drug out into the street and shot"

I will never ever ever understand the mentality of paying out the ass for cable tv every month and yet I still have commercials on my shows.

I pay money I dont want commercials.

Fine I am paying for the hardwires and workers to keep it in working order. Fine. but dont tell me that I get 185+ channels for $100/month is cool, because I can only watch ONE channel at a time. Seeing as how no matter what you do you cant have more than one digital cable tv set in the house without shelling out more money.

TELEVISION IS FREE!!!!!!! Keep it that way dammit.

Oh crap I gotta pay the Cox bill today! LOL.

[mac_hine82]

They will come around when they find out there idea doesnt work.

[chromos]

I have a feeling if they were trying to work out a deal with Apple, they wouldn't be going to Comcast/DirecTV first.
And the fact that they came out on the same day makes me belive they are trying to go against Apple.

From this Wall St. Journal article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113140185186190419.html?mod=home_whats_news_us), it sounds as though at least NBC is also trying to get the content to be portable as well:


NBC Universal said it is working to make other shows that it broadcasts but doesn't own available on demand. Among them is its new hit comedy, "My Name is Earl," which is owned by News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox. Bob Wright, CEO of NBC Universal, said the company also is "very close" to working out a deal with Apple to provide shows on its new video iPod.

[Seasought]

DVR: "I see you've recorded CSI! $.99 will be added to your already huge Comcast bill. Thank you for bending over and taking it!"


lol

We have a winner.

[Fiveos22]

I'm waiting for Fox to jump on the bandwagon, I have yet to see this season's Arrested Development and I'm starting to go through withdrawl.

[SiliconAddict]

I think NBC & CBS are going to be dissapointed with their sales, not only because it's not through iTunes, but because their shows aren't as good as ABC's either.

Yah right. Never mind the fact that such an opinion is relative to taste. Does ABC have Surface? Does ABC have CSI? Does ABC have Law and Order? Does ABC have The West Wing? Also your borderline snobbish attitude about it not being on iTunes is part of the reason why people hate Apple and the iPod. I still agree because one thing the MR summery totally misses is that you need Comcast's DVR or DirectTV's DVR to download the content and as such you are limiting your user base to only a small percentage of users. If you can’t download it to your computer then what’s the point?

[illw!l]

From this Wall St. Journal article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113140185186190419.html?mod=home_whats_news_us), it sounds as though at least NBC is also trying to get the content to be portable as well:

Bob Wright, CEO of NBC Universal, said the company also is "very close" to working out a deal with Apple to provide shows on its new video iPod.


Beat me to the quote...

I suspect that after the success of tv show DVD's that executives are keen on providing new ways of delivering content to viewers.

These new methods of delivery may not be worth the cost, but at least they are exploring them.

I am optimistic. Just give me some 24.

[Hyernel]

Why would anyone pay for a TV show that plays for free? If you miss it, wait for the rerun.

Or better yet, break your TV habit and go outside. Sheesh!

[applebum]

I still agree because one thing the MR summery totally misses is that you need Comcast's DVR.... If you can’t download it to your computer then what’s the point?

First, from what I understand you don't have to have Comcast's DVR - you simply have to have a digital box that has access to On Demand. I believe that almost all of Comcast's digital boxes give you access to On Demand. I also believe that the majority of Comast's digital boxes are NON DVR. So many people will be happy to pay .99 to watch a popular network they may have missed. That is the nice thing about this for people without DVRs or VCRs, they can still catch the shows they miss. I think it will do well.

Second, the majority of people do not watch TV or video on their computer. So the response that most people would have to your question would be "what's the point of downloading it to your computer?"

[yellow5]

Why would anyone pay for a TV show that plays for free? If you miss it, wait for the rerun.


Do you know how long it takes them to "rerun" episodes of shows? A LONG time...

Most shows come out on DVD before they are rerun.

[tveric]

Once in a while you see a topic, that for some strange reason, ignites a fire under Mac-super-fans like no other, blinding them to reason and logic.

I see a lot of comments about how "the networks just don't get it" and "why would you pay NBC and CBS for on-demand shows" and the like. Listen, I love my G5 and my Powerbook, AND my ipod(s), but face it, .99 is cheaper than 1.99, and you get to watch the show in full SD resolution on your TV rather than on your tiny video ipod. Which, by the way, costs as much as a TV. At this time, it's the smarter way to go if you're a network. Are people that read these forums going to go for it? No, of course not, because you are the SUPERgeeks, and we represent 1/10 of 1% of the TV-watching public. But for everyone else, on-demand is still a lot easier than downloading a show off the internet and onto your ipod.

Now before everyone flames me for that, yeah, the ipod is awesome, okay? I have 2! I love them! But think for a second about the rest of the country. People that barely even understand what the whole ipod/itunes thing is about. They can understand tivo and on-demand, though. If I'm a CBS or NBC guy, I'm applauding this move. If I'm an Apple guy, I'm trying to think up a way to sell the ABC model to these other networks. And if I'm just a Mac user, which I am, I really don't give a crap one way or the other. *shrug*

[andiwm2003]

Once in a while you see a topic, that for some strange reason, ignites a fire under Mac-super-fans like no other, blinding them to reason and logic.

I see a lot of comments about how "the networks just don't get it" and "why would you pay NBC and CBS for on-demand shows" and the like. Listen, I love my G5 and my Powerbook, AND my ipod(s), but face it, .99 is cheaper than 1.99, and you get to watch the show in full SD resolution on your TV rather than on your tiny video ipod. Which, by the way, costs as much as a TV. At this time, it's the smarter way to go if you're a network. Are people that read these forums going to go for it? No, of course not, because you are the SUPERgeeks, and we represent 1/10 of 1% of the TV-watching public. But for everyone else, on-demand is still a lot easier than downloading a show off the internet and onto your ipod.

Now before everyone flames me for that, yeah, the ipod is awesome, okay? I have 2! I love them! But think for a second about the rest of the country. People that barely even understand what the whole ipod/itunes thing is about. They can understand tivo and on-demand, though. If I'm a CBS or NBC guy, I'm applauding this move. If I'm an Apple guy, I'm trying to think up a way to sell the ABC model to these other networks. And if I'm just a Mac user, which I am, I really don't give a crap one way or the other. *shrug*

nobody is going to flame you. maybe:D

i think your points are correct regarding the geek thing.

but the new offers suck for everyone:

because you have to buy extra hardware
because you can watch them only within 24hrs after the show
because the service can be replaced by a $30 vcr from radio shack

it is not about mac, itunes or the geek factor. the offer just simply sucks.

[tveric]

nobody is going to flame you. maybe:D

i think your points are correct regarding the geek thing.

but the new offers suck for everyone:

because you have to buy extra hardware
because you can watch them only within 24hrs after the show
because the service can be replaced by a $30 vcr from radio shack

it is not about mac, itunes or the geek factor. the offer just simply sucks.

I agree with you there, too, especially on the last point. Which makes me wonder why this is a Page 1 item on macrumors.com in the first place. Slow news day?

Also, if this offer sucks, what's that say about $1.99 downloads that don't even look as good? Okay, you can keep them forever. Big deal. I'm sticking with my DVR.

[mikeyredk]

I wonder how much it will be to download the superbowl

[BornAgainMac]

I hope the shows aren't offered only in Real or Microsoft Media 10 and require a PC to view them.

[Chupa Chupa]

I hope this is a blazing failure, as it should be. Obviously, people with DVRs don't need to buy for .99 what they can get for "free." (Not really free since most people pay a monthly fee for TiVo or the DTV DVR service). What is disturbing is that if you take into account the DRM measures that will be baked into future DVRs it could me if you don't want to/can't watch a program when it originally shows you'll have to PAY to watch it later. DVR/VCRs as we know them will cease to exist. This is a far cry from what iTunes is offering.

[Peace]

I hope this is a blazing failure, as it should be. Obviously, people with DVRs don't need to buy for .99 what they can get for "free." (Not really free since most people pay a monthly fee for TiVo or the DTV DVR service). What is disturbing is that if you take into account the DRM measures that will be baked into future DVRs it could me if you don't want to/can't watch a program when it originally shows you'll have to PAY to watch it later. DVR/VCRs as we know them will cease to exist. This is a far cry from what iTunes is offering.

I agree completely..

I already pay $90 a month for premium satellite TV with a DVR.Why would I want to pay $.99 for a re-run?

What are the networks going to do about showing re-runs on TV?.
If this takes off there could be a lot of dead air from local television stations.

Paying $1.99 for a show from iTunes is dumb enough.

This takes the cake.

[Lertie32]

This has got to be one of the stupidest things I've seen in product marketing.
:eek:

This is going to get real redundant in the thread, but the flaws are obvious in...
why is there a 24-hour limit on something I can record FOREVER on the PVR anyways?!?
:confused:

Possibly there is a shred of sanity in these speculations...
Here's what I'm wondering since the articles aren't detail specific - This could be like pay-per-view all day tickets where it plays for 24 hours AND you can record it on PVR for later/permanent viewing if you want to. Right??? Otherwise it is truly idiotic.

And WHY in the name of anything holy would I pay for something with commercials not cut out?!?!?!?!
Absolutely positively NO freakin' way.
:mad:

I'm relieved to see that NBC (and hopefully others) are in fact negotiating with Apple for iTMS inclusion and this Comcast/DirecTV stuff seems more directed towards the ipod-less. However, I think the cable companies are just going to rip people off even more. Comcast sucks and Time Warner blows too. Switch to satellite if you haven't already.

I wish NBC and others would hurry up with iTMS inclusion. Frankly my only interest in this whole Apple video endeavor is to watch old show episodes that aren't on DVD yet.

[m-dogg]

First, from what I understand you don't have to have Comcast's DVR - you simply have to have a digital box that has access to On Demand. I believe that almost all of Comcast's digital boxes give you access to On Demand. I also believe that the majority of Comast's digital boxes are NON DVR. So many people will be happy to pay .99 to watch a popular network they may have missed. That is the nice thing about this for people without DVRs or VCRs, they can still catch the shows they miss. I think it will do well.

Second, the majority of people do not watch TV or video on their computer. So the response that most people would have to your question would be "what's the point of downloading it to your computer?"

I agree - I can see my parents preferring the on demand approach over iTunes. It's much easier for them to click a button on their remote & get it charged to their cable bill than to purchase it online.

The average MR member is a lot more computer-savvy than the average person...

500th Post!!! Wahoo!!!

[m-dogg]

This has got to be one of the stupidest things I've seen in product marketing.
:eek:

This is going to get real redundant in the thread, but the flaws are obvious in...
why is there a 24-hour limit on something I can record FOREVER on the PVR anyways?!?
:confused:


I think the point is that if you forgot to record it in advance, and still wanted to see it, the option is there. I don't think it would replace watching it the first time or recording it in advance. Just like how people will not use iTMS to watch lost every week instead of watching it for free the first time it aires...

[Lertie32]

I think the point is that if you forgot to record it in advance, and still wanted to see it, the option is there. I don't think it would replace watching it the first time or recording it in advance. Just like how people will not use iTMS to watch lost every week instead of watching it for free the first time it aires...

Anybody who has a PVR probably doesn't miss many TV episodes. That's the huge part of the point of even using a PVR. At the beginning of the season you set it to record your shows and it does it all automatically.

I could see it being used as an afterthought in some cases. Like me... I didn't know about or have much interest in "Surface" at the beginning of the season and I didn't set my PVR for it. I have now though since I've heard nothing but good things about the show... but the six episodes I already missed in the season are where this could come in handy...

[m-dogg]

Anybody who has a PVR probably doesn't miss many TV episodes. That's the huge part of the point of even using a PVR. At the beginning of the season you set it to record your shows and it does it all automatically.

I could see it being used as an afterthought in some cases. Like me... I didn't know about or have much interest in "Surface" at the beginning of the season and I didn't set my PVR for it. I have now though since I've heard nothing but good things about the show... but the six episodes I already missed in the season are where this could come in handy...

I know tivo lets you record the entire season, but I've heard that cable & sat tv PVRs don't necessarily have all the same/as much functionality that tivo-brand PVRs have.

I don't have any PVR (unless you count Eye TV), so I can't really speak from personal experience on this.

[madmaxmedia]

I know tivo lets you record the entire season, but I've heard that cable & sat tv PVRs don't necessarily have all the same/as much functionality that tivo-brand PVRs have.

I don't have any PVR (unless you count Eye TV), so I can't really speak from personal experience on this.

Yeah, you can record all scheduled episodes of a show. Actually, there are plenty of additional options too (at least for the Time Warner box that I used to have.) For syndicated content, you could record only certain days of the week, etc.

[Peace]

Yeah, you can record all scheduled episodes of a show. Actually, there are plenty of additional options too (at least for the Time Warner box that I used to have.) For syndicated content, you could record only certain days of the week, etc.

My DishNetwork Satellite system with DVR allows me to record anything at anytime for as many times as I like.I can set up a whole season and have it record.
The only thing I can't do is increase the size of the hard drive.

[bommai]

I didn't read the announcements to mean that CBS and NBC won't offer episodes on iTunes or other places as well. The fact that the announcements came on the same day may be an indication that CBS and NBC are trying to negotiate with Apple from a position of strength and make sure they get the right deal.

The big sell of iTunes isn't availability of TV shows; it's portability.

I agree with other posters that DIFFERENT content should not get lost in the shuffle. Download this week's "Desperate Housewives" and get the extra scene they always show on Monday's GMA edited into it. Download this week's "Lost" and get a 4-minute mini-episode delivered to your account on Friday.

I have a HDTV with a builtin HDTV tuner. I get all my programs through a off-air antenna. If I do want to buy an episode through iTunes, I can do it without paying a monthly subscription to cable/satellite. However, the CBS/NBC deal will require the person to already have subscriptions!!

I guess I should get an eyeTV 500 before the broadcast flag becomes a law, however I am holding off because my mac is not fast enough to play HD and I would like a settop box that is worth the money. Hope apple is working on one. Also heard Elgato's CEO is now Apple Germany's head.

[m-dogg]

My DishNetwork Satellite system with DVR allows me to record anything at anytime for as many times as I like.I can set up a whole season and have it record.
The only thing I can't do is increase the size of the hard drive.

Good to know. Then I guess it would only be the type of scenario that Lertie32 mentioned, such as getting turned on to a show mid-season and wanted to catch the earlier episodes.

Yeah, seems there's never enough hard drive space, huh? That was one of the reasons I chose Eye TV over a Tivo (my cable company doesn't offer PVRs unless you have digital cable, which I don't).

[m-dogg]

Also heard Elgato's CEO is now Apple Germany's head.

Really? I wish Apple would buy out Eye TV and build their technology into the computer, so I didn't have to connect a separate box to my iMac.

[EricNau]

Yah right. Never mind the fact that such an opinion is relative to taste. Does ABC have Surface? Does ABC have CSI? Does ABC have Law and Order? Does ABC have The West Wing?

First of All, according to statistics, ABC has the most popular shows. There's no arguing that. (Even Jay Leno makes fun of NBC for being pathetic, and he's on NBC!) :eek: :confused:



Also your borderline snobbish attitude about it not being on iTunes is part of the reason why people hate Apple and the iPod. I still agree because one thing the MR summery totally misses is that you need Comcast's DVR or DirectTV's DVR to download the content and as such you are limiting your user base to only a small percentage of users. If you can’t download it to your computer then what’s the point?
I'm not being snobbish, I'm saying what NBC and CBS are doing, is charging for something, that I can already get for free. - I could either just use my Tivo, and "tape" CSI (or whatever) for free, or I could pay for it, and then within 24 hours it would be gone. It's stupid!

[Mechcozmo]

Let them come crawling back... good job Apple. Did it with music, and I predict it will happen again with video.

(Despite the odd name, iTunes will do video!)

[iMeowbot]

So in order to pay $1 to watch an episode of a show that you missed, you need what exactly? They mention the DVR in the article, making it seem like you'd need the DVR to access the service (paying extra for the DVR of course)... so... why not record the show in the first place?
For the DirecTV deal, they are offering a 100% rebate on the recorder. The Comcast situation, I think varies by region, but in areas where they've gone digital a recorder is pretty much standard fare now.
Of course they probably have some plan to monkey around with the timeslots to try to trip up the DVRs and force people into paying $1 per episode.
I don't think that's something that will be in their control, at least not on Comcast.

In general with this thread I don't think this has much at all to do with Apple. It's a different type of service for a different type of customer.

[xy14]

Apple should get WB to allow iTunes to sell every episode of Friends from all ten seasons. :D

Except, I'd need a huge-a$$ hard drive to hold all those titles, and yes, I would buy every one.

[Mechcozmo]

There are quite a large number of people who do not have DVRs, but do have iTunes. iTunes is a free download as well, and free to set up. DVRs are not.

Hell, you can just pay for an internet connection and not even pay for a T.V. if you wanted to, but cable is usually bundled nowadays. So iTunes is cheaper to use than a DVR. $1.99 an episode vs. $299 for a DVR... Yeah, that can change with rebates, and yes, iTunes will get more expensive over time, but it is interesting to note that the initial setup is free and thus iTunes can hook people in and thusly get them forever and ever into iTunes!

[synergy]

First of All, according to statistics, ABC has the most popular shows. There's no arguing that. (Even Jay Leno makes fun of NBC for being pathetic, and he's on NBC!) :eek: :confused:



What stats are you reading? Nielsen shows of the top ten shows, CBS has 7 and ABC has 3. http://tv.yahoo.com/nielsen/

Of the top 20 ABC only has 6 in that list. While CSI, Lost and Desperate Housewives are all usually in the top three, that does not make ABC the one with the most popular shows just because they have two in the top three.

[EricNau]

What stats are you reading? Nielsen shows of the top ten shows, CBS has 7 and ABC has 3. http://tv.yahoo.com/nielsen/

Of the top 20 ABC only has 6 in that list. While CSI, Lost and Desperate Housewives are all usually in the top three, that does not make ABC the one with the most popular shows just because they have two in the top three.
I don't see Lost on that list, and I know for sure it is somewhere in the top 20, so how reliable is that?

According to what Steve Jobs said, Lost and Desperate Housewives were 1 and 2. And according to reports on TV, for the past year, they have all said ABC was first, and NBC was last (CBS & FOX were 2 & 3 but I don't remember which was which).

Also, I'm sorry if I came off as snobbish about being on iTunes, because I'm not, but really, think about what NBC and CBS are doing. It's like they are trying to compete with iTunes & ABC but instead they missed the point of viewing it on the iPod/Computer - All they are doing is charging me for something I can do for free.

[shamino]

I don't see Lost on that list, and I know for sure it is somewhere in the top 20, so how reliable is that?
Nielsen Research is the standard for TV ratings. Their figures are what every network uses for setting advertising prices. They aren't always completely accurate, but you're not likely to find a better benchmark.

If your favorite show isn't on the top 20, then 20 other programs got more viewers that week. That much is certain.

But this could be due to many reasons other than the show being unpopular. For instance, it might have been preempted by a sporting event in several key cities. Or it might be showing a rerun in the same week that others are showing new episodes. Or it could simply be a random fluctuation. Which is why networks (usually) look at a show's trend over several weeks when deciding how to set ad prices and whether to cancel/renew a show.

Figures don't lie, but it's easy to draw the wrong conclusions if you don't realize what the figures are actually representing.

[EricNau]

Nielsen Research is the standard for TV ratings. Their figures are what every network uses for setting advertising prices. They aren't always completely accurate, but you're not likely to find a better benchmark.

If your favorite show isn't on the top 20, then 20 other programs got more viewers that week. That much is certain.

But this could be due to many reasons other than the show being unpopular. For instance, it might have been preempted by a sporting event in several key cities. Or it might be showing a rerun in the same week that others are showing new episodes. Or it could simply be a random fluctuation. Which is why networks (usually) look at a show's trend over several weeks when deciding how to set ad prices and whether to cancel/renew a show.

Figures don't lie, but it's easy to draw the wrong conclusions if you don't realize what the figures are actually representing.

OK, I see, and yes, last week Lost was a re-run, and that was why it wasn't in the number 1 or 2 spot.
But from what I know ABC is number 1 for TV shows.

And I wasn't doubting the Nielsen part, just the fact that it was on Yahoo ;)

[Epicurus]

Lets assume that CBS and NBC are really stubborn and will pump money into their own distribution networks for 5-6 months without hesitation. After that time, they'll realize that the iTunes thing has taken off (with a healthy boost following the first wave of Mactels and all the related media coverage), and they'll let Apple sit back down at the table and negotiate. This time Apple will have something the networks not only want but need. Apple will get the shows it needs to keep the iTunes TV store open, and the networks can stop wasting money on their own failed ventures.

FOX is the real dark horse in this whole situation. If they go on their own like CBS and NBC, then iTunes will be in serious trouble (unless they do a good job courting the smaller labels and really stir up the intependent crowd to get some new content). If FOX cuts a deal with Apple, the iTunes store will be healthy for at least another 3 months, which would buy time for the other networks to come around.

This whole transition will take time, not only because the networks themselves are slow to adopt new technology, but also because the legal impact of this new distribution channel has yet to play out. Contracts need to be renegotiated, deals need to be remade, and whole advertising departments need to be re-structured. Most networks run on advertising revenue rather than direct sales. VHS gave them nightmares. DVD opened their eyes some of the way, but this whole Apple/iPod thing should shake them out of bed entirely. :D :D :D

[LethalWolfe]

Sorry if this was mentioned before (I missed it if it was), but another reason the CBS & NBC download plan sounds half-baked is that NBC has a deal w/DirectTV and CBS has a deal w/Comcast. So only Comcast customers w/DVRs can grab the CBS content and only DirectTV customers w/DVRs can grab the NBC content.

Now, how does that make sense?


Lethal

[shamino]

Sorry if this was mentioned before (I missed it if it was), but another reason the CBS & NBC download plan sounds half-baked is that NBC has a deal w/DirectTV and CBS has a deal w/Comcast. So only Comcast customers w/DVRs can grab the CBS content and only DirectTV customers w/DVRs can grab the NBC content.

Now, how does that make sense?
Low-hanging fruit.

It's reasonably cheap, requires no new infrastructure, and may not even require new contracts to set up something like this using existing pay-per-view channels. They can use this to test the market and then evaluate expanding to a broader audience if they like the results.

Of course, this isn't completely reliable. The iTMS demographic may behave very differently from the PPV-DVR demographic. Especially when one is viewing on a DVR and the other on computers and iPods. But it can still be a useful trial, as long as the people analyzing the results do the work necessary to come to compensate for these differences.

[Sdashiki]

I am not so interested in making this an itms vs cable company business model.

I am just upset someone thinks they can charge even another cent for "on-demand reruns" when tivo, DVR and all that stuff (even plain ol VCRs with a timer) can do it for me for free. Plus on -demand is part of a package that is already paid for, unless you click BUY on a PPV movie/event, your cable bill is the same every month.

Greed is greed plain and simple.

its not that this will simply NOT work, its that its just blatantly greedy.

[jdechko]

DVR: "I see you've recorded CSI! $.99 will be added to your already huge Comcast bill. Thank you for bending over and taking it!"

I forsee it happening.

But you already pay for the DVR Subscription/Programming/Whatever-it-is as well as the equipment (usually). Now the networks probably dont see much of the money directly from the DVR package, but I'm sure that the Cable providers are already paying a huge amount in licensing fees to the networks already.

I see DVR programming rates increasing to 10-12 dollars (up from about 5-7/mo) across the board, rather than your scenario.

[jdechko]

Apple should get WB to allow iTunes to sell every episode of Friends from all ten seasons. :D

Except, I'd need a huge-a$$ hard drive to hold all those titles, and yes, I would buy every one.

I think that its NBC who actually owns the rights to Friends... WB just pays a licensing fee (along with TBS & whoever) to rebroadcast the shows.

This is called "syndication" according to this article... http://www.answerbag.com/a_view.php/5759

[EricNau]

I think that its NBC who actually owns the rights to Friends... WB just pays a licensing fee (along with TBS & whoever) to rebroadcast the shows.

This is called "syndication" according to this article... http://www.answerbag.com/a_view.php/5759
NBC and WB are run by the same people in my area. They have the same local news anchors, and WB often plays yesterday NBC shows. Is it this way everywhere?