News: NBC Launching New Download Service

NBC.com is launching a new service to allow users to download full episodes of NBC shows directly to their desktops. Using NBC Direct, due out for Windows PCs in October, will eventually be like setting your Tivo's Season Pass in that you can "subscribe" to a show once then automatically receive it each week.

The software client will store each ad-supported episode for up to one week, after which the license expires. Heroes, The Office, Life, Bionic Woman, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno will be available at launch.

Future plans include developing DRM-protected versions of shows that can be downloaded to an iPod, installing a P2P system to enable high definition downloads and experimentation with download-to-own, rental and subscription models.

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