CBS Looking To Add Content To iTunes? [Archive]

MacRumors

Feb 3, 2006, 08:11 PM

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

According to a post at BetaNews.com (http://www.betanews.com/article/CBS_Programming_Coming_to_iTunes/1138991666), CBS programming will be coming soon to iTunes. "CBS Digital Media president Larry Kramer confirmed the news in an interview with financial site MarketWatch. The plans to offer shows on iTunes is part of a larger initiative aimed at attracting new viewers by providing access to the network's programming in a variety of formats."

For now, CBS is looking to sell episodes of "Survivor" on its own for $1.99 per show, and only on a rental type of system where downloaded material would expire 24 hours after ordering. This is different from Apple's pay once-watch forever download model.

kjs862

Feb 3, 2006, 08:15 PM

CBS hasn't done much of anything really, this doesn't bother me much

yankeefan24

Feb 3, 2006, 08:28 PM

its never going to work. when you could buy a show for ever, why would you rent one for 1.99. even if its a different show, i would rather purchase than rent.

kjr39

Feb 3, 2006, 08:32 PM

Is CBS still on the air?

quagmire

Feb 3, 2006, 08:34 PM

Please put JAG on iTunes, please put JAG on iTunes. :)

~Shard~

Feb 3, 2006, 08:36 PM

Excellent, bring on CSI and Letterman! :D

nagromme

Feb 3, 2006, 08:40 PM

My main reactions:

1. No, rentals should not cost the same as buying to keep. I don't think Apple would permit such a system on iTunes. Subscriptions are a fine option to offer--for video more so than music--but only at a lower price.

2. I would pay $1.99 to AVOID seeing any reality show. I'd even pay monthly, forever. Name your price.

gregarious119

Feb 3, 2006, 09:02 PM

OK...CSI and Survivor are great shows, and I'd even love to see Letterman on there, although I don't see it selling really well. But c'mon...does CBS really think their show are SO great that people would rent them for one day? I don't think so.

Now if they were smart, they'd market Dave's Top Ten list as a free download each day just to get people coming to their side of iTMS. Then sell their shows for $1.99 just like everyone else is just happy doing.

Dr. Dastardly

Feb 3, 2006, 09:17 PM

I bet CBS will change their tone after a while. The networks are making a killing out of these downloads. CBS probably just doesnt want to canabalize their DVD sales. Hopefully soon they will come to their senses and see thats just stupid.

2 bucks and you can only keep it for 24 hours pffft. :rolleyes:

Xaimous

Feb 3, 2006, 09:25 PM

Is CBS still on the air?

Dude, They're number one right now.

I personally don't like most the shows on CBS but you can't deny that all the CSIs and Survivor are popular. Though I don't think they are are $2 a 24 hour rental period popular. My cable's OnDemand like service isn't even that restrictive and I don't have to wait for a movie to download.

big

Feb 3, 2006, 09:27 PM

2. I would pay $1.99 to AVOID seeing any reality show. I'd even pay monthly, forever. Name your price.

Rock on! My issue is the cost. I would watch tv but I don't have cable, thusly I never watch tv.

Mudbug

Feb 3, 2006, 09:34 PM

to clear up - CBS is "renting" Survivor on CBS's website for $1.99/episode/24hours, not selling it this way on iTunes. Presumably when their content is loaded to the iTMS, they will follow the same download conventions as the rest of the video offerings already there.

Mac Dummy

Feb 3, 2006, 10:03 PM

I want to see WB shows on iTunes, specifically "Charmed" season 8 (this season) which is rumored to be the last. I can't get the WB through Dish Network and TNT that carries re-runs of older seasons does carry the new season 8 episodes and BitTorrent is too risky.:( Heck the WB has some great shows like Smallville and the Gilmore Girls among others. I also heard that UPN and the WB will be merging with CBS and Warner Bros. in the fall of 2006 to form the CW network. :eek: Maybe they'll have re-runs of popular series from both channels on iTunes.:)

EricNau

Feb 3, 2006, 10:16 PM

It's about time they jump on the "band-wagon."

While we are on the subject of iTMS video, I feel Apple should start offering these videos in DVD quality, and maybe iTunes could reduce the quality as it is putting it on the iPod (to save memory). - Just a thought, I think Apple would sell more.

Dr. Dastardly

Feb 3, 2006, 10:27 PM

I feel Apple should start offering these videos in DVD quality, and maybe iTunes could reduce the quality as it is putting it on the iPod (to save memory). - Just a thought, I think Apple would sell more.
True, and your right I would buy some if they were at 720p. But bandwidth of that magnitude ain't cheap and they probably have an agreement with the studios to keep it under standard definition let alone DVD so as to not canabalize DVD sales when released.

imacdaddy

Feb 3, 2006, 10:30 PM

Peace

Feb 3, 2006, 10:35 PM

Yvan256

Feb 3, 2006, 10:41 PM

True, and your right I would buy some if they were at 720p. But bandwidth of that magnitude ain't cheap and they probably have an agreement with the studios to keep it under standard definition let alone DVD so as to not canabalize DVD sales when released.

The thing is, at that resolution it SHOULD be rentals. And lower the price.

I, for one, wouldn't mind paying 0.99$CAD for a 24-hours rental if I ever missed an episode of Battlestar Galactica.

EricNau

Feb 3, 2006, 10:44 PM

True, and your right I would buy some if they were at 720p. But bandwidth of that magnitude ain't cheap and they probably have an agreement with the studios to keep it under standard definition let alone DVD so as to not canabalize DVD sales when released.
I don't think Bandwidth is Apple's biggest problem. I think you are right about the studios, Apple probably kept the quality low to convince them it would not affect their other sales.

maxterpiece

Feb 3, 2006, 10:56 PM

You forgot to mention CBS had a deal with Google Video. They pulled Survivors from GV and started selling on thier own site. I guess they finally realized iTunes is the only way to go!

http://news.com.com/2061-11199_3-6034743.html

I don't htink google video does deals - it is more like an open marketplace where anyone can post videos for whatever price they want and at any time.

mackeeper

Feb 3, 2006, 11:04 PM

The only thing I liked on CBS was Raymond, and that's gone now.

I dont know...I never have gone for the whole TV itunes music store thing.

Even though Lost is my most favorite show, and it is THE best show on television, I've always considered a rip off to buy episodes, because it makes more sense to buy the DVD. Its cheaper and you get physical DVDs and special features. (Yes yes I know, you could buy the episode the DAY AFTER IT AIRS!...not a big deal.)

They should put Alias on the itunes music store though. Even though I still wouldn't buy it, (cause I already have it) it would be nice to see on there.

p0intblank

Feb 3, 2006, 11:14 PM

Wow, talk about greed! Who wants to buy an episode of Survivor for $1.99 and have to watch it within 24 hours of the purchase? Why choose this strategy?

nutmac

Feb 3, 2006, 11:37 PM

While we are on the subject of iTMS video, I feel Apple should start offering these videos in DVD quality, and maybe iTunes could reduce the quality as it is putting it on the iPod (to save memory). - Just a thought, I think Apple would sell more.

That's true but as long as many people continue to buy QVGA (320x240) video contents and 128 kbps AAC music (both of which are not losing any grounds), I expect the trend to continue. Perhaps content producers prefer things this way, perhaps as to protect CD and DVD sales.

iMeowbot

Feb 4, 2006, 12:12 AM

Wow, talk about greed! Who wants to buy an episode of Survivor for $1.99 and have to watch it within 24 hours of the purchase? Why choose this strategy?
For a show like Survivor it just might work, because the material has a short shelf life, but it's something current that people like to talk about in offices etc.

For years TV viewers eagerly spent 50 cents apiece to vote in silly polls of no consequence, so it's not to hard to imagine something like this finding people willing to pay.

nagromme

Feb 4, 2006, 12:20 AM

I, for one, wouldn't mind paying 0.99$CAD for a 24-hours rental if I ever missed an episode of Battlestar Galactica.
Count me in. It's killing me that I can't keep up with Galactica until it comes out on Netflix (which it has, but months later than broadcast). But it's the ONLY show I really want (enough to pay for) from cable, and thus it's not worth the massive annual cost of cable. So I don't get cable. $1.99 per episode is too steep for me too: it's great if you missed one episode, but not if you want the whole season.

If I could rent for .99, I wouldn't have to wait for the DVDs.

Porchland

Feb 4, 2006, 09:19 AM

Is CBS still on the air?

The CBS that's the No. 1 network in ratings? Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's still on the air.

Porchland

Feb 4, 2006, 09:22 AM

Wow, talk about greed! Who wants to buy an episode of Survivor for $1.99 and have to watch it within 24 hours of the purchase? Why choose this strategy?

I think CBS's "Survivor" deal is that it expires 24 hours after you start watching it, which is the cable PPV model.

ifjake

Feb 4, 2006, 10:00 AM

That's true but as long as many people continue to buy QVGA (320x240) video contents and 128 kbps AAC music (both of which are not losing any grounds), I expect the trend to continue. Perhaps content producers prefer things this way, perhaps as to protect CD and DVD sales.

i think you are right. but really if you want the best quality, optical media is the way to go. it saves hard drive space and bandwidth. imagine downloading an HD movie, or even TV show; you'd be getting into the Gigabyte ranges. not only would that take way too long to download anywhere outside of South Korea, but everyone would have to have terabyte servers to have a decent sized collection. anyone want to download a blu-ray disc? oh, not enough space?

iDM

Feb 4, 2006, 10:12 AM

Give me a break CBS like Survivor now in its 46th season with the typical story-line playing for the 46th time really matters.

mackeeper

Feb 4, 2006, 11:12 AM

Why don't itunes add some really exciting and more action-packed shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, or Sister Sister.

onemoof

Feb 4, 2006, 11:24 AM

Why don't itunes add some really exciting and more action-packed shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, or Sister Sister.

Was this a joke? It's over my head...

goddylla

Feb 4, 2006, 11:41 AM

No thanks on this one CBS. I'll keep my two bucks and put up with the comercials for Survivor.

rimrocka07011

Feb 4, 2006, 12:12 PM

Why don't itunes add some really exciting and more action-packed shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, or Sister Sister.

CBS never had Sister, Sister, or the original version of Millionaire... but that was pretty funny though!

Porchland

Feb 4, 2006, 12:16 PM

I'll be curious to see what will be in a CBS iTunes package.

CBS produces some of its better shows, like the "CSI" franchise and "Survivor," but Warner Brothers produces "Without a Trace" "Cold Case," and "Two and a Half Men," which are all Top 20 shows. "How I Met Your Mother" is produced by Fox.

All of the currently running shows on iTunes are broadcast by the same network that produces them, so we have NBC but not "Scrubs" (produced by ABC), "ER" (produced by WB) or "Earl" (produced by Fox).

Maybe Fox, WB and CBS will all be announced at the same time.

KREX725

Feb 4, 2006, 01:37 PM

Maybe Fox, WB and CBS will all be announced at the same time.

I wouldn't expect to see anything out of WB or UPN until the merger is done, and probably not for awhile after that. Just my guess. :confused:

seamuskrat

Feb 4, 2006, 02:57 PM

I have downloaded a bunch of LOST episodes. I watch them when i travel and during my daily commute via van to work. Having to download every night would be a major pain, and if I am away for a three day trip with no laptop I would want content for the trip home As it stands, I can buy 5 shows and watch 2.5 on the way there and 2.5 on the way back. Having 24 hours is absurd.

OK...CSI and Survivor are great shows, and I'd even love to see Letterman on there, although I don't see it selling really well. But c'mon...does CBS really think their show are SO great that people would rent them for one day? I don't think so.

Now if they were smart, they'd market Dave's Top Ten list as a free download each day just to get people coming to their side of iTMS. Then sell their shows for $1.99 just like everyone else is just happy doing.

EricNau

Feb 4, 2006, 03:01 PM

I have downloaded a bunch of LOST episodes. I watch them when i travel and during my daily commute via van to work...
I hope you aren't driving that van! :eek:

Loge

Feb 4, 2006, 03:38 PM

There really is no need to make content that expires. I hope Apple is sensible enough not to go down that route. If the shows are reality TV that lose their value fairly quickly anyway after broadcast, then making them expire makes even less sense.

d.f

Feb 4, 2006, 03:44 PM

That's true but as long as many people continue to buy QVGA (320x240) video contents and 128 kbps AAC music (both of which are not losing any grounds), I expect the trend to continue. Perhaps content producers prefer things this way, perhaps as to protect CD and DVD sales.

sadly i think you're right. iTunes is trying to create a secondary market (or should that be thirdary (sp) after DVD box sets) that offers another revenue streat to the studios. they're not trying to revolutionise the way we watch all tv.

however, i do think there will come a time when there's a market where iTunes HD will work for both Apple and the studios.

EricNau

Feb 4, 2006, 04:02 PM

I think you'd be right about not replacing the DVD market, and that's why Apple is keeping the video quality so low, but that doesn't explain music... Nobody is going to download a song from the iTMS and then go buy a CD with a higher quality version so they can have both.

Apple definitely needs to update their music quality.

SiliconAddict

Feb 4, 2006, 04:20 PM

The only thing I care about from CBS is CSI....the ORIGINAL CSI...their Miami/New York crap...not so much. However their back catalog of old shows is another matter altogether.

SiliconAddict

Feb 4, 2006, 04:22 PM

I think you'd be right about not replacing the DVD market, and that's why Apple is keeping the video quality so low

Umm dude. You could have at least SD res without hitting the DVD market and Apple isn't even meeting that standard. Personally I think it comes down to bandwidth plain and simple.

mtigerv

Feb 4, 2006, 04:37 PM

CBS shows should have been put on iTunes weeks ago. Nickelodeon and MTV are owned by Viacomm which is owned by TimeWarner, who owns CBS, the WB, and UPN. I was surprised they wern't added at the same time like the Disney-owned networks were.

monstermike

Feb 4, 2006, 04:51 PM

Ok, as HD owner here's my 2 cents...

DVD's on a HD TV stink so give it to us in HD, DVD, or SD, yiewers choice.
On demand downloads are the next DVD's so forget about it eating into DVD sales. This should take over those sales. Move the capital you are spending to press, distribute, etc to paying for more bandwidth if that's what's needed. Isn't there a lot of dark fiber out there?
When people subscribe to shows you know exactly how many people are watching through that medium. Network Execs should be salivating to have real numbers rather than relying on Nelson ratings.

I think ITMS will be the Internet Affiliate for all networks and I can not WAIT!!!!

apple4life

Feb 4, 2006, 05:06 PM

Have any of you had that pop up box when you hit play that says your machine is not authorized to play that song and you have to resign in to iTunes?
I have and WeW! It puts a scare in you like you wouldn't believe... just thinking you won't be able to play your favorite songs....

And now you know going in that you get 24 hours to watch some show and it's gone?

Forget about it... it will never work for tv shows....

TheMasin9

Feb 4, 2006, 06:45 PM

i SOOOOO want survivor on my ipod, that would rock.

~Shard~

Feb 4, 2006, 07:35 PM

The only thing I care about from CBS is CSI....the ORIGINAL CSI...their Miami/New York crap...not so much. However their back catalog of old shows is another matter altogether.

Totally agree - the original CSI is the only good one of the three. :cool:

yoda13

Feb 4, 2006, 11:30 PM

Hmm, well CSI Miami is my favorite CSI.:p

~Shard~

Feb 4, 2006, 11:37 PM

Hmm, well CSI Miami is my favorite CSI.:p

Hey, to each their own - I just prefer the original, that's all. The others don't do it for me, and aren't as good in my books - it's all a matter of opinion of course. :)

That and perhaps I'm biased since I hate David Caruso. ;)

dashiel

Feb 4, 2006, 11:58 PM

Umm dude. You could have at least SD res without hitting the DVD market and Apple isn't even meeting that standard. Personally I think it comes down to bandwidth plain and simple.

i think it has more to do with the ipod than either bandwidth or eating in to DVD sales. they figure, rightly or wrongly, that most people have television and that these sales supplement first run viewing. since the ipod only does 320x240 why bother going higher? at least that's my guess.

what i find interesting is that some shows seem to have better compression than others. lost looks pretty good on my laptop with very little to no artifacting, battlestar on the other hand looks pretty bad.

SeaFox

Feb 5, 2006, 12:48 AM

My main reactions:

1. No, rentals should not cost the same as buying to keep. I don't think Apple would permit such a system on iTunes. Subscriptions are a fine option to offer--for video more so than music--but only at a lower price.

Here's the real kicker question: Why rent one episode for $1.99 for twenty-four hours when I could rent an entire DVD of Survivor episodes and watch it for a good week at any video rental store (and then rip it to my iPod, if I wanted to be dishonest as well) for the same price.

2. I would pay $1.99 to AVOID seeing any reality show. I'd even pay monthly, forever. Name your price.

clapclapclapclapclapclapclapclap. Agreed!

illegalprelude

Feb 5, 2006, 01:31 AM

EricNau

Feb 5, 2006, 01:39 AM

uumm....
Viacom owns CBS/MTV/Nickelodeon

Time Warner does not own Viacom or the other way.
For the record:
CBS is not owned by Viacom... anymore. Link (http://www.cbscorporation.com/our_company/overview/index.php)

monstermike

Feb 5, 2006, 05:56 AM

i think it has more to do with the ipod than either bandwidth or eating in to DVD sales. they figure, rightly or wrongly, that most people have television and that these sales supplement first run viewing. since the ipod only does 320x240 why bother going higher? at least that's my guess.

I guess if the Video iPod was going to be your only viewing method then this would be true. However there's a growing number of people that have HDTV with a HTPC hooked up to it. With this kind of setup, ITMS becomes a format for distributing shows on demand.

d.f

Feb 5, 2006, 09:02 AM

i hope that sales continue to swell and eventually get to a point where Studios see iTunes and the like as comparable with the DVD market - then we'll get DVD quality downloads. it's just a matter of how long will this take.

i guess it's like how the records companies offered limited content at the start. now, most of them, are desperate to be in with iTunes, offering priority artsit tracks exclusively, often before they even go to radio.....

asphalt-proof

Feb 5, 2006, 09:38 AM

I would really like to see a tv subscription service in iTunes. I really can't justify paying$1.99 for a tv show I will only watch once. Music, of course, is different. I would pay $15+ a month to have unlimited access to the TV shows iTunes offers. This whole TV thing may the thing that makes major Apple a media mogul.

Peace

Feb 5, 2006, 10:45 AM

uumm....
Viacom owns CBS/MTV/Nickelodeon

Time Warner does not own Viacom or the other way.

CBS is now owned by CBS..

For information about CBS Corporation, formerly named Viacom Inc. prior to its separation into two publicly traded companies on December 31, 2005, click here:
http://www.cbscorporation.com/

illegalprelude

Feb 5, 2006, 02:27 PM

You can also be two publicly traded companies and still be owned by one conglomeration(sp)

im kind of lost, if CBS is adding more content, thus making iTunes more valuable, thus making Apple more profit and better position, how is this a negative?

corywoolf

Feb 5, 2006, 11:28 PM

EricNau

Feb 6, 2006, 12:46 AM

im kind of lost, if CBS is adding more content, thus making iTunes more valuable, thus making Apple more profit and better position, how is this a negative?
Have you seen some of CBS's shows? :D

(I'm not trying to start a debate, that is just what they are thinking when they vote negative)

illegalprelude

Feb 6, 2006, 02:04 AM

Have you seen some of CBS's shows? :D

(I'm not trying to start a debate, that is just what they are thinking when they vote negative)

haha yea, i dont watch too much tv to be honest so not sure what their airing these days. I do enjoy their CSI and Without a Trace type shows

Play Ultimate

Feb 6, 2006, 07:40 AM

I don't understand why so many people are marking this negative?

CBS is adding content to the Apple store. It is increasing our options and making the store better.

If it has to do with the "Rental Model" that CBS is using on thier own website, Apple does not use that model. And Apple will not go to a rental model just for CBS. Apple has been pretty adamant about having content providers play the Apple way or not at all.

From my perspective, this can only be good.

sunfast

Feb 6, 2006, 08:37 AM

A bit disappointing - I really hope apple don't think a rental agreement is a good plan (for the same price as pay to keep), especially at the dire quality offered.

syklee26

Feb 6, 2006, 09:54 AM

the only thing I would pay $2 for renting for 24 hours is Fox's "24." no pun intended.

seriously, 24 is the best show on tv.

Doozy

Feb 6, 2006, 11:02 AM

This is only good news. Sure their rental idea is lame, but any new content is good news.

The big networks are going to bring people in, but it will be video podcasts which make people stay. I can't wait until some independent video podcaster makes it big on itunes. It is going to happen it is just a matter of time.

rog

Feb 7, 2006, 12:44 AM

That is simply an idiotic idea. $1.99 is too much for a show already. How many people would download and never watch it within their 24 hours? I certainly didn't watch the 1 episode of Lost I downloaded within 24 hours. I hope Apple tells them where to go with this. Even if selling, they make more on these sales than they do per episode by selling DVD seasons so why the stupid expiration!?