NBC returns shows to iTunes
Apple unveils new iPod models
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 9/9/2008
SEPT. 9 | Nearly a year after walking away from iTunes over a pricing dispute, NBC Universal is putting its shows back on the service and adding high-definition downloads, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced today at an Apple press event.
Last fall, NBC pulled its TV shows off of the most trafficked video download site in a highly publicized dispute over pricing. NBC wanted to try different price points for shows, such as pricing popular series Heroes above the standard $1.99. The studio complained that iTunes was turning revenue “from dollars into pennies,” with NBC president and CEO Jeff Zucker telling the New Yorker that the studio had made just $15 million in iTunes revenue over a one-year period.
The company claimed at the time that NBC shows accounted for 40% of TV downloads on iTunes.
Jobs didn’t go into details on what brought NBC back.
“The return of our shows to iTunes is terrific news for everyone who loves TV and the ease and convenience of Apple’s iTunes,” Zucker said in a statement announcing the return. “And now, by offering consumers a variety of new options, our fans have even more ways to enjoy our content.”
Shows from NBC and NBC networks USA Networks, Bravo, Sci Fi Channel, Sleuth and NBC News will be priced at the standard $1.99 for standard-definition shows. However, high-definition episodes will sell for $2.99 and some older shows, including The A-Team and Miami Vice, will sell for 99¢ an episode.
NBC will offer its Top 10 shows in high-def and standard-def.
As part of its return, the network will offer one free episode in either standard-def or high-def from its top shows over the next two weeks. Also, the premiere show from the new seasons of Knight Rider, My Own Worst Enemy and Kath and Kim will be available on iTunes the week before they air on TV. NBC also will offer the series premiere of Knight Rider on download service Hulu before it airs.
Most of Apple’s other announcements were centered on its updated line of iPods and new iTunes music features.
Jobs said iTunes now has 65 million accounts and touted its music prowess as the largest seller of music. As expected, iTunes 8 will include the Genius application, which makes playlists from a user’s library of songs that go together. It also offers new music recommendations based on a user’s library and how many times songs are played.
Apple also is updating its line of iPods, dropping the thick iPod classic and adding a new thin 120GB iPod for $249.
The company released two redesigned iPod Nanos, curved and slimmer, making them the thinnest iPod ever, the company said.
The new Nanos will be made with environmentally friendly materials and will come in a broader range of colors. The 8GB model, which ships today, is priced at $149; a 16GB model shipping next week will carry a $199 price tag.
The company also released three new oval-shaped iPod Touch models, which the company has dubbed “the funnest iPod ever.” Touch will be available today in a 8GB model for $229, a 16GB model for $299 and a 32GB model for $399. All have an extended battery life capable of playing music for 36 hours and video for six hours.
Rival Microsoft also announced an upgraded Zune player, which will offer wi-fi to make downloading songs easier.
