I logged on to the iTunes Music Store this morning and was pleasantly surprised to see that NBC is now offering content for the iPod Video. Now you can watch shows like The Office, Surface, Law & Order, and (Woo-Hoo!) Conan O’Brien in the comfort of your nearest Starbuck’s in quality sound provided by your white earbuds. NBC is also offering “classic” episodes of Alfred Hitchcock, Dragnet, Adam-12, and Knight Rider. If you have iTunes, click here to veiw the iTunes/NBC store. Shows are $1.99 a piece.
As soon as the iPod Video was announced I knew that this was a viable option for the future of television. Networks have seen failed properties whose initial run on prime-time television showed dismal ratings become DVD darlings in the home market. Freaks and Geeks in merely one example (Also from NBC). When networks can quickly and easily get content into the hands of consumers they can build brand recognition and brand loyalty. It is just that simple. I applaud ABC and NBC on taking this bold step on a new technology. This is a risk that I believe they will be well rewarded for.
Update: I found these links on iLounge.com after I posted this story. The first link offers a little more information on the NBC deal and the second discusses an ESPN/iTunes deal (ESPN is owned by ABC).