NBC Television Shows Now Available on Amazon

[LethalWolfe]

Point taken. Nonetheless, when companies get too happy, I get worried.

Agreed.

I guess that has a great deal of truth to it, but, it doesn't mean that the wolf is any less immoral for doing it.

Ironically, on a seperate tangent, if the farmer does have a door that's open on the chicken coop, he's free to call it "free range." How's that for consumer protection?

I'm not trying to give Comcast, or any other company, a get out of jail free card by any means. I just think that if people are going to get pissed they should know who all they need to get pissed at.


Lethal

 

[skittlebrau79]

What's wrong with philosophical? I like it.

Of course I see your point - and agree with it. I own over 1500 CDs. I love supporting artists.

So you like supporting artists, but you won't support the artists that create television? How is it any different? Both are owned by major companies, unless you support indy artists (and there are indie production companies too.) People (like me) make a living off the entertainment industry. No I'm not a producer or actor or director, just somebody in the tech business in Hollywood, but people downloading a show directly impacts my company.

When it comes to TV, though, I feel a bit differently. Essentially anything on network TV is free. They're giving it away. I can tune in for free.

So, if it's on HBO, it's not OK to pirate it but broadcast nets are OK? This argument makes no sense. If that's the way you feel, all TV should become a paid service, and then you have no right to pirate anything. Great, thanks for ruining TV for the rest of us.

You had to pay for cable, and a big part of that cable bill went to the media companies as a fee for re-broadcasting their content. If you have an NBC affiliate, then they paid NBC a handsome fee to re-broadcast NBC's shows, and in return, NBC gave them a bunch of air time to use as they please. So you see, somebody is ALWAYS paying NBC to broadcast their content—you never get it for "free". Sure you never pay anything to your local NBC affiliate, but they sure paid for it, and they make YOU pay for it by watching even more commercials.

Netflix *buys* DVDs from the media companies that are *giving* the shos away over the air. I rent one of those and watch it. How is that any different from just tuning in?

Easy, Netflix pays NBC $200 once. You think that justifies you and 10,000 other people ripping it and watching it any number of times?
If that's the case, then how come I can't just download a copy of Leopard that somebody bought and posted on Bittorrent? After all, SOMEBODY paid for it, so that gives me the right to use it—right?

So, ultimately, what's wrong with BitTorrent? The networks are *giving* away their content over the air - in both SD and HD. I can rent it legally via NetFlix. Why can't I just download it? I'm not abusing the copyright. I'm not using the content to make money. I'm not changing it. I just want to watch it.

You can watch it once, over the air. If you can't because you don't have cable or an affiliate in your area then tough luck. I can't watch HBO either because I don't pony up $15 a month, so I can't watch their shows. But by your logic, I can, as long as Netflix paid for the DVDs already and somebody else posted them online. Just because you're not using it to make money doesn't make it OK. I don't use iLife to make money, so does that mean I can just download it for free?

Quite honestly, I think the media companies have an exaggerated sense of the importance of their product. Music is one thing. We live with music. We listen to it over and over. It's woven into our lives. TV is temporary. It serves its purpose to entertain in the short-term, but beyond that, who really cares? How many times are you going to watch a TV series? Seriously. A handful, even if you're a die-hard fan.

You have a seriously warped look on DVD sales then. Why do you think DVD sales make up the majority of a movie's profits these days? Why is every show on earth on DVD as soon as it makes it past the 13 episode season order? They are HUGELY popular. Evidently, a lot of people want to watch TV more than once.

[QUOTE =robbyx;4131266]Anyway, I have a problem with giving away something on the one hand, then turning around and acting insufferable when, on the other, someone obtains it via another mechanism - with the sole intention of enjoying it, not using or profiting from it.[/QUOTE]
I have a huge problem with people thinking they are entitled to something, and when they can't get it, they just download it. I suppose I should just download any software I want, because I don't intend to "profit from it".

Sorry but I really hate people downloading DVDs and TV shows from the Internet and justifying it, but then ride their high horse about Apple. By most people's standards, downloading anything you want from the Internet is OK as long as Apple didn't make it. Now excuse me while I go search for Aperture, iLife 08, Leopard pre-release builds and Final Cut Pro online...thepiratebay.org is calling.

 

[michelepri]

That's too bad because I liked some of their shows. Now of course I'm not going to start downloading with Amazon. I don't know anybody that downloads video from Amazon, just like nobody buys music from Sony's service, whatever it's called.

As usual, many of us will go back to the good old file sharing and torrents to get our favorite shows. Let's just hope that the pirates will be nice enough to encode videos in h.264 instead of some strange linux compatible codecs

 

[OhEsTen]

I have a huge problem with people thinking they are entitled to something, and when they can't get it, they just download it.

I think most people that talk about downloading NBC shows are doing it more so out of protest to NBC's actions. It's not a sense of entitlement. I'm not advocating that myself, I'm just saying.

NBC's actions are idiotic. They want a ridiculous amount of money for a revenue stream that has only been what... a couple of years old? Now they partner with a company like Amazon - which unnecessarily excludes Mac users from using their service. That is crap.

The only leverage people have in voicing their opinion is by using their wallets. While downloading episodes for free can get you into trouble I think that is what people feel is their "protestacular".

Now if only there was a way to download gas from bittorrent....

 

[rpchan]

i am grumpy. I got every episode of Heroes last years on iTunes the day after. I guess I will have to buy a dvr (not really going to happen) or else illegally download them now.

 

[VanNess]

just like nobody buys music from Sony's service, whatever it's called.

Well, it was called Sony "Connect" but now it looks like it will be known as Sony "Disconnect."

 

[irun5k]

Sorry, but I have to laugh at NBC's actions.

Announcing the Amazon the day before Steve J gets on stage and shows off new iPods? Probably all with improved screens for watching your favorite TV shows while commuting on a train or bus? That's gotta be a smart move.

Hadn't thought of that, but you're right. Say what you like but the age of digital media hasn't been pioneered and isn't being pioneered by Microsoft, Amazon, Wal*Mart, etc.

I don't mind spending money on occasion at the iTMS, because I feel like I'm adding to a library of things I'll have for a long time. I feel like if I buy media from some other outlet, it will end up in some long lost folder on my computer and eventually the DRM will go extinct and it will all be gone.

 

[ddubbo]

These days, having no Mac support means your product is much less likely to ever become a big success. Why? Because Mac users aren't afraid of trying something new - which is how many of us became Mac users. As a group I'd guess that a majority of early adopters of new technology are Mac users. If you don't get the early adopters to use your technology, then you'll never get the general computer users. Because most average tech users will only try out a new product once they feel that enough other people already use it.

No Mac support = few early adopters of your product = most people will never even give your product a try = your product fails.

Now, a company like Amazon can sidestep this chain of events to a certain degree because they already have a very well known name, so they may be able to swing enough atypical early adopters to try their product so that they might reach the critical mass of users needed to gain momentum with general users. But without Mac support they lose a major advantage to general acceptance. So only time will tell.

Wake Up!Still more than 90% of people use PC.Besides, what is new technology in watching TV series? Don't trust all the BS from Jobs Congregation.

 

[DaftUnion]

Argh. This is so frustrating that they don't sell stuff on iTunes and then turn around and sell it on Amazon.

 

[robbyx]

Cry me a river...

So you like supporting artists, but you won't support the artists that create television? How is it any different?

I think I laid out my argument in a pretty clear manner...

So, if it's on HBO, it's not OK to pirate it but broadcast nets are OK? This argument makes no sense.

Actually, I think it makes perfect sense. They are giving it away for FREE over the airwaves. I'd be happy to download shows from the networks directly with commercials. I'm also more than happy to pay $1.99 per episode to not have to deal with commercials.

As for HBO and *PAID* networks, yes, I think I should have to pay for it. ONCE. Not around every corner as these greedy media companies constantly try to pull money out of my pocket again and again for the same mediocre programming.

You had to pay for cable, and a big part of that cable bill went to the media companies as a fee for re-broadcasting their content. If you have an NBC affiliate, then they paid NBC a handsome fee to re-broadcast NBC's shows, and in return, NBC gave them a bunch of air time to use as they please. So you see, somebody is ALWAYS paying NBC to broadcast their content—you never get it for "free". Sure you never pay anything to your local NBC affiliate, but they sure paid for it, and they make YOU pay for it by watching even more commercials.

Commercials? Isn't that what a PVR is for? I haven't watched a commercial in years.

But I get your point.

If that's the case, then how come I can't just download a copy of Leopard that somebody bought and posted on Bittorrent? After all, SOMEBODY paid for it, so that gives me the right to use it—right?

I don't think so. If Apple gives it away for free in the Apple Store, but sues me into oblivion for downloading it, then I'd feel differently.

I don't use iLife to make money, so does that mean I can just download it for free?

It's not about making money with it. It's about giving it away over the airwaves on the one hand and charging for it on the other. I get your argument about the affiliates and advertising. I'd be happy to download it with commercials. Same difference.

My point isn't to say that I don't care about the content creators. I care about how GREEDY they have become. That's why I like iTunes. It's FAIR. I pay a modest fee to buy my programming. I have it delivered without commercials. I watch it where I want (TV, iPod, computer screen). And life is good - and simple.

But if you're going to stick it to me over and over again, force me to buy ridiculously locked-down files, force me to buy a file for my portable media device as well as a DVD for my TV, all the while paying my cable bill, I'm sorry, I don't have any respect for that.

You have a seriously warped look on DVD sales then. Why do you think DVD sales make up the majority of a movie's profits these days? Why is every show on earth on DVD as soon as it makes it past the 13 episode season order? They are HUGELY popular. Evidently, a lot of people want to watch TV more than once.

I don't doubt it. I didn't say anything about sales. I said that industry has an exaggerated sense of the importance of its product. I'm sure they sell a lot of DVDs. I doubt many people watch them more than once or twice. I own quite a few DVDs and there are only a few that I've watched more than once. It didn't keep me from spending $19.99 for the privilege of watching the movie once, though...

Sorry but I really hate people downloading DVDs and TV shows from the Internet and justifying it, but then ride their high horse about Apple. By most people's standards, downloading anything you want from the Internet is OK as long as Apple didn't make it. Now excuse me while I go search for Aperture, iLife 08, Leopard pre-release builds and Final Cut Pro online...thepiratebay.org is calling.

Seriously, what is your problem? I didn't even mention Apple, nor did I bring software piracy into the argument at all. I'm sick and tired of the TV and movie industries trying to force me to spend A LOT of money on throw-away media. Sell it to me at a fair price and don't restrict the h*ll out of how I can view it, and I'm HAPPY to pay. But your reaction is a perfect example of why the industry can't get it together. You think the system is good and fair. Sorry buddy, it's not. It sucks for the consumer.

 

[ddubbo]

This proves NBC was telling the truth when they said it had nothing to do with doubling the price.. Wow, apple fans were jumping all over NBC for being greedy when all they wanted to do is have the flexibility to package their shows. They even selling the package for a discount. Notice they are not preventing anyone from buying a single show.. just if you want to buy a package, you can too.. itunes does this already with music.. you can buy a track or album. What was apple problem here?. Am i missing something?

I suppose the only reason to decline was that Apple wants to much commission for their services. Anyway, even the commission is reasonable, why should they pay it to Apple, when they can sell it by themselves. The exactly the same thing what airlines do now selling you air tickets via the Net and saving commission they pay to travel agents.

 

[robbyx]

I suppose the only reason to decline was that Apple wants to much commission for their services. Anyway, even the commission is reasonable, why should they pay it to Apple, when they can sell it by themselves. The exactly the same thing what airlines do now selling you air tickets via the Net and saving commission they pay to travel agents.

So why not do both? The reason Apple deserves a "commission" is that they've created a seamless mechanism for accessing and viewing content. That's got to be worth something, right?

Let people like me pay for it on iTunes. Let others pay for it on Unboxed. Let others download it from the network website. Whatever. Isn't it best to offer the consumer as MANY choices as possible? Trust me, I'm not going to give up my Mac, iPod, iPhone, and AppleTV just because I now can't download Heroes Season 2 from iTunes. The content simply isn't THAT important.

 

[seashellz]

In these days of declining studio profits, EVERY source of income helps-even if APPLEs is only....75% or the music/movie DL business.

NBC Vivendi just shot themselves in the foot
"Nah-we dont need the extra cash flow..."

Im sure the sotckholders will be pleased.

Im sure that if there a will theres a way for Mac users to get NBC shows (wink wink)

 

[ddubbo]

So why not do both? The reason Apple deserves a "commission" is that they've created a seamless mechanism for accessing and viewing content. That's got to be worth something, right?

Let people like me pay for it on iTunes. Let others pay for it on Unboxed. Let others download it from the network website. Whatever. Isn't it best to offer the consumer as MANY choices as possible? Trust me, I'm not going to give up my Mac, iPod, iPhone, and AppleTV just because I now can't download Heroes Season 2 from iTunes. The content simply isn't THAT important.

Totally agree. But actually Apple is someone who leave you only one choise. Only aluminium for Mac, Only iTunes for iPod, Only ATT for iPhone etc.
Get mTorrent and download whatever you want for free. F**k both, Apple and NBC

 

[robbyx]

Totally agree. But actually Apple is someone who leave you only one choise. Only aluminium for Mac, Only iTunes for iPod, Only ATT for iPhone etc.
Get mTorrent and download whatever you want for free. F**k both, Apple and NBC

Personally, I'm happy to live within the Apple universe. And I'm willing to pay for it (as are many others). I don't really care about choice. For me that isn't the issue. I think there SHOULD be choice, but I'm happy to be locked in, so long as being locked in is convenient and transparent. That's the point the media companies miss AGAIN and AGAIN.

Of course, I think the best option is low-cost DRM-free content. But maybe that's the optimist in me...believing people will pay for something, so long as it is priced fairly and easily accessed.

 

[CaptainHaddock]

I say "good riddance". The days of DRM-encumbered content are numbered. Let Amazon have the egg on their face when NBC's experiment fails.

 

[ddubbo]

Personally, I'm happy to live within the Apple universe. And I'm willing to pay for it (as are many others). I don't really care about choice. For me that isn't the issue. I think there SHOULD be choice, but I'm happy to be locked in, so long as being locked in is convenient and transparent. That's the point the media companies miss AGAIN and AGAIN.

Of course, I think the best option is low-cost DRM-free content. But maybe that's the optimist in me...believing people will pay for something, so long as it is priced fairly and easily accessed.

You're realist. People will pay, at least at USA. Proven. Wast majority of the people prefers to pay a couple of bucks and directly get what they need, instead of dealing with slow P2P networks, torrents etc.

 

[boringName]

Uh, what?

OK, I don't have a Tivo - but if I did, why on EARTH would I pay to download TV shows that I could, uh, record? (I know, what about older ones) I do have a DVR, and so I've never actually bought a TV show from iTunes, unless I wanted to take it with me - I pay for the portability.

This is a move forced out of MS desperation. They want to build PC-xbox-Zune into the entertainment ecosystem of choice, but they'll have to do much more than this and slashing the price of the Zune to overcome the significant mindshare advantage that Apple has.

Arogant dummies...

 

[dual64bit]

And what about those who don't get cable or dish? Those who just watch the shows online because the price of cable or dish is far more expensive then just the small fees of purchasing to own via iTunes?

Am I wrong?

 

[freediverdude]

Well I'll tell ya, the only reason I've rented anything off of Amazon Unbox is because sometimes they have a very cheap price for just a rental of a movie that is available for direct download to the Tivo. And not everything on there is available for Tivo download, only some things. And the DRM on the rentals is pretty restrictive- have to press the play button within 30 days, and once you press the play button, the file disappears in 24 hours. So I just use it if it's a special cheap price for a crap movie that I want to see once and don't care about owning. Now granted this is probably purchasing NBC shows, not renting, but they would absolutely have to make it available via the Tivo download service to even have a chance at becoming somewhat successful. Just as a side note as well, the movies on the Unbox service are delivered in the standard 4:3 ratio or whatever, instead of widescreen like a dvd or iTunes, so if you have a widescreen tv there are bars on all 4 sides, just like you were watching a tv program in non-stretched mode instead of a movie.

Since the Unbox service isn't nearly as successful as iTunes, they're going to have a hard time with it I'm afraid. The revenue just won't be there in nearly as big a numbers.

 

[chelsel]

Not quite. Amazon's partnership with TiVo means you have a way of delivering content straight to your TV more conveniently than iTunes+TV.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/video/tivo

Now, if only it actually worked reliably every time...

B

I use Amazon Unbox on my Tivo Series3 all the time. It works GREAT... I'm actually pleased with this news. Who wants to watch a TV show on a 3" screen anyway... let me download it to my Tivo and watch it on the big screen!

 

[aprilfools]

NBC can kiss my @#*&!!!!!

Amazon's Unbox service requires Window XP and is not compatible with the Macintosh. NBC can kiss my @#*&!!!!!

 

[princealfie]

I use Amazon Unbox on my Tivo Series3 all the time. It works GREAT... I'm actually pleased with this news. Who wants to watch a TV show on a 3" screen anyway... let me download it to my Tivo and watch it on the big screen!

Sorry but my iPhone is way better than the tivo of tedium.

 

[OhEsTen]

Apple is someone who leave you only one choise. Only aluminium for Mac, Only iTunes for iPod, Only ATT for iPhone etc..

Your argument makes no sense. Only aluminum for Mac? Only AT&T for iPhone has to do with Apple partnering with a company that was willing to make some adjustments to their system to support features like VV and such. As a negotiation I am sure AT&T wanted exclusivity. And as for iTunes, do you expect Apple to make 5 different versions of software to use your iPod with just so that they can say "we give people choices"?

I'm all for choices.. but people get way too caught up with "choices" instead of quality. It's blowback from this Wal-Mart society. What good are choices if all but one or two are actually good.

Also, I love how people act like they've personally done business with Apple. People read a book, a blog, or some ranting from an old ex-Apple employee and have this thought that Apple is this dictatorship at the negotiation table. Maybe they are - maybe they aren't (and maybe they are some of the time), I don't know. I've never been at the negotiation table with them.

 

[Poll Smoker]

I use iTunes for current shows because I don't have a DVR/Tivo and instead of paying a monthly fee for these devices, I just use iTunes. Spread a few shows over the whole season and its the same as the subscription fee for the TiVo.

Hey Einstein, it's not "the same as the subscription fee for the Tivo"? You're paying for the shows twice -- once on your cable/satellite bill and again for the iTMS purchase. Why on earth would you pay twice for a show?