<![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Funny how these content people want to play hardball with online stores but with brick-and-mortar stores like Wal-Mart they're totally kissing ass.

deadlizard

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> This will all shake out... NBC is playing prettiest-girl-to-take-to-the-prom, because they've had as season of good ratings, new franchises hits and "everyone loves the peacock".

My guess is that they'll renegotiate their terms... work in some fractionallized advertising model, and be back in be with the iJobs before Warren Buffet has even had a chance to take a post-screw shower.

Same as it ever was...

Same as it ever was...

Levendis47

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @djtaz360: "Let's stop pretending that Apple doesn't deserve their share of the blame here."
Acutally, they don't. If NBC didn't pull out at this 90 day mark the arrangement renews on the SAME TERMS. NBC doesn't like the current terms. They want more money, not simply a percentage more, more in some cases OVER the retail cost of the current product. NBC decided they didn't want this to happen, so they pulled out. Apple didn't have to say a thing. So, let's not "pretend" that Apple has much to do with NBC's decision. NBC has publically cited the reasons. According to them, they feel most iPod owners are mostly theives, and that Apple doesn't do enough to stop that. Wow. Nice. I'm sure they've been floating that by Apple too, during negotiation. I'm sorry... none of that says, "Oh, let's give Apple their fair share of blame." to me.

Cleverboy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> -If you like eyestrain.
-If you like watching your video on a computer, rather than the iPod you take with you everywhere.

@CaliforniaCajun:

So, watching on a nice, big LCD monitor gives you eye strain, but watching on a tiny iPod screen doesn't?????


mangaguru

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Mark my words, this will be the "New Coke" move of this decade.


B. Whaler

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I like iTunes because NBC/Universal is taking years to release all the seasons of Law & Order and its spin-offs. With iTunes I could get the last couple seasons of each show.

I won't be stealing them...I'll have to go back to using my DVD recorder (and commercials)!

noaxis2

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]>
Good job, NBC. You remove choice and simplicity, add complexity and in doing so you keep BitTorrent strong as the simplest alternative for digital downloads.

Media companies, don't EVER evolve with technology - you are so cute in your Neanderthal sort of ways.

Vagabum

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Good call on Apple's part. NBC wants to boost its bottom line by screwing over the customer but its good to know that Apple doesn't want to help them doing it. Paying $2 an episode of TV is a bit high as it is but going to $5, well I having a feeling sales would have imploded to the point that Apple would have lost money in the endeavor anyway.

NBC may be hemoragging money but thats a quality of programming issue, not a charging the customer issue. They should focus on one rather then the other in turning their fortunes around.

kingdom2000

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> $1.99 is to much.

vistasucks.wordpress.com

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> All of you people whining about this are coming across as arrogant, self-entitled little kids. Sorry, but it's true. These shouts of "If I can't get my content exactly how I want it I'm gonna pirate it even though it's still available legally elsewhere!!!!" are just childish.

If NBC feels they will be more successful selling their shows through some other means, than they have every right to do so. Don't get me wrong, I think Itunes is a great service, I've bought a lot of music off of it. But NBC choosing to offer their shows elsewhere isn't an insult directed at you personally, as so many people seem to feel, it's just the free market in action.

Maybe they'll make more money elsewhere, maybe they won't. But for Christ's sake stop this pathetic fanboy whining.

ColoradoCNC

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Free TV good. DVD extras without compression good.

Pay for compressed and DRMed 0s and 1s = dumb.

As my favorite doctor once said,"Ooh, Zoidberg, at last you are becoming a crafty consumer...I'll take eight!"

jibbly

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Please make it more expensive and more complicated. FAIL.

humperdinck

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Apple just decided to pull all of NBC's content effective immediately - meaning no fresh fall lineup.
[news.yahoo.com]

njbrideau

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Well, so much for paying the $1.99 per episode for it in case I miss one and stick to DVR-ing and skipping all the commercials as usual! Thanks for making my decision easy, NBC! Nice to know you're always looking out for your viewers.

Machines

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @dansgil: Watching shows on NBC.com is fine...

-If you like watching commercials.
-If you like eyestrain.
-If you like having to be chained to an Internet conection.
-If you like watching your video on a computer, rather than the iPod you take with you everywhere.




CaliforniaCajun

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I am a mobile professional. I don't watch TV at home, but I enjoy
staying up-to-date on my favorite shows by using iTunes in
whatever hotel/airport lounge/etc. I happen to be in between
flights.

I watch shows on my iPod when my MacBook Pro isn't
convenient.

According to NBC, I'm not the kind of customer they want. Well
off, well connected, and quality-minded. They'd prefer for me to
wait six months and uy a DVD set I'm never home to watch, or
watch the shows, riddled with ads, for "free" on their web site (I
guess I'll have to bring a book for those 4-5x monthly
transcontinental flights, where there is no Internet).

What morons the executives at NBC must be.

I cannot and will not use a Microsoft DRM-based solution -
they've switched strategies several times over the past three
years, while the first track I ever bought from iTunes still works.

I won't resort to piracy either, but face it; I have no interest (and
usually no time) to sit in a hotel room or my house and watch
programming, nor do I want to mash everything up on my tivo -
iTunes was a perfect solution - no commercials, easily
obtainable, watch anytime, anywhere - and NBC just shut it off
because they're greedy. Forget about the customer...

















CaliforniaCajun

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> 1. During the season there is BitTorrent

2. After the season the season comes out on HD-DVD.

BTW, just got the HD set and it is TFSU Good!

Windhawk

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I just want to clear up a couple things. People think TV shows didn't sell and no profit for NBC. "I don't buy it, so I guess nobody does" Wrong! Sales of "The Office" on iTunes single-handedly saved that show from being canceled. Obviously NBC is making some good coin from iTunes or reverse a decision like that based on iTunes sales

Also, to the idiots screaming that NBC is being run by MS due to MSNBC. Try taking your head out of your ass and knowing some facts. NBC is owned by General Electric and MSNBC plays a very small part in the grand scheme of things. Get over your little conspiracy fantasies.

Try actually looking up some facts before you spew a bunch of garbage based on your own guesses and what's happening only in your pathetic little world.

mangaguru

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Fortunately I've got an HD-DVR so I don't even bother with iTunes. Pay money for SD downloads? They're kidding, right?

Jordan Lund

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> "I'm not sure that we'd still have the show on the air" without the iTunes boost, says Angela Bromstead, president of NBC Universal Television Studio, which owns and produces "The Office." "The network had only ordered so many episodes, but when it went on iTunes and really started taking off, that gave us another way to see the true potential other than just Nielsen. It just kind of happened at a great time."

SpacePenguinBot

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @Yourhero88: No kidding. I told all of my friends I was on TV, but then I had no way to prove it!

92BuickLeSabre

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Just downloaded the first episode of Heros on XBOX Live last night (They have it up for free right now). The 2.4 GB HD download for one episode is huge, but the quality is fantastic.

Can't say that I like paying for media, but it was relatively quick, and easy to get and functioned great..

scingram

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> What a stupid mistake NBC.

dead_red_eyes

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Awesome!! Now I'll be able to spend the money I WAS spending on The Office to buy more DRM free music from iTunes!! What? Oh how will I watch The Office, you ask? I won't.

F U NBC.

jriga

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Here's to Bittorrent. But don't loose hope yet, the contract ends in December, the headline from Gizmodo is horrible, NBC and Apple are still in talks and from the RUMORS both parties are on friendly terms. Let's ride the year out and hope that NBC see's the trees for the forest. Raising pricing is a dealbreaker for consumers.

If enough media companies leave iTunes Apple can always go back to "Rip, Mix, Burn." A lawyer needs to check me but fair use of ripping your own DVD's is legal. Apple needs to snatch up Handbrake and add it to iTunes. Oh, and someone start posting basic 101 P2P for the average non-tech guy.

spade.up

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> It's funny how so many people blame NBC for things like this when we all know about Apple's strong-arm negotiation tactics. Would NBC be as interested in multi-pricing and other bundle pricing options if Apple was so resistant on giving up a portion of the large amount of money that they rake in from these sales. Apple is know for squeezing out as much as possible from their partners, sort of like the Walmart of digital media. Apple hires the same MBAs and JDs from these top schools whose sole purpose is to make more money for Apple. Let's stop pretending that Apple doesn't deserve their share of the blame here.

djtaz360

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @Shorties:
Can't afford a TIVO, go to craigslist & buy a $20 VHS (they still record TV you know) & quit whining. Do you wanna watch the shows or not?

philipbarrett

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> There is an old adage that says: "Age and guile will defeat youth and ethusiasm every time."

Here is one for the digital age:

"Money and greed will defeat simple and logical every time."

kalfeer

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @mudman: Yup. If they go, I won't be following. The convenience is sometimes worth it for me at the current price point (I bought all of Friday Night Lights last year), but I'm not going to seek out new sources for their product.

Boy Howdy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Wait wait wait, since when was "To catch a Predator" in the itunes store?

Yourhero88

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Networks really don't care about their customers, do they?

mjmahon

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> DRM, HD-DVD, BluRay, and TFSUs aside -- None of their shows will be missed. Heroes is horrible, and I can't think of anything else decent in their lineup other than The Office.

Jekyll22

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Huge Mistake.

They could go DRM free on iTMS but they will of course have some grander plan that will fail as so many others have who have tried to go around iTMS.

Numbers dont lie

zippyZ

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]>
I think this is yet another case of a distribution company like Universal trying to take back the power before they are truly irrelevant.

smac1

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I am in the same boat as many of you people. I do not subscribe to Cable or Satelite. I get all my shows from DVD's. Downloadable TV shows are way too expensive as they are now, thats what keeps me from using iTunes or XBL Marketplace for TV shows. If they would come out with a restricted pricing for seasonal content I would be all over it. But, as this article suggests, the media houses want to charge even higher prices that the one I current refuse to pay. The companies need to start offering reasonably price a la carte content, or bit torrent is going to continue to cut away at their bottom line. They just don't get it!!!

AlexNC

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> They are in fact not pulling out of iTunes.
They way their contract works with Apple, is that if they do not "back-out" 90 days prior to the end of the contract it automatically renews with the same terms. All they are really doing is giving themselves the opportunity to renegotiate. They are 100% definately not pulling out of iTunes.
This information is readily available on any investor boards.
Please correct the post Giz.
Thanks!





Petrogk

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> If apple wants to keep all thier apple tv customers happy they best work something out. These shows are pretty much the only reason I own an Apple TV.

xibis

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I think this is a bad idea for NBC because there are always ways for people to get content. They can shut down one video streaming site but another will arise. At least through iTunes and other similar services they were able to make some money off of distribution. If they did not like the contract terms between iTunes, then they should have simply renegotiated rather than pull out.

musictomyears

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> So, they want to pay even more for content that is already more expensive than DVD, with lower quality and DRM?

Galley

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Don't they know that some people use iTune exclusively for thier TV show input?! Bad move. I'll be forced to watch Heros for free on NBC.com in that horrible format vs. paying them for the show.

This is also a good way to promote having your show torrented.

hagrun

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> It's a shame the Old Media turds, like NBC,all still don't get how this "new media" works. As soon as any content shows any positive response with the public the knee-jerk reaction of these tards is to rub their hands together and drop into full-tilt greedy weasel mode - scheming of ways to control the increased suckage of cash from "consumers".

Unfortunately, I foresee more of this back-and-forth learning process with us, the "citizens", having to reluctantly but inevitably bitch slap Big Media's avaricious asses every time they pull an old world whore stunt like this. Love the BitTorrent and wield it like the hammer o' God until these nickel licking morons finally get it driven through their heads. Dumb move NBC. Very dumb.

robbo

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Does this affect Scifi channel too? I get Battlestar Galactica from iTunes (I live in Japan). Oh well, if they don't want my money, hello bit torrent?

d303

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> IIRC, The Office had a very slow start, and iTunes sales actually saved the show from the NBC Cancel-Hammer. Now, the Office is one of NBC's biggest. This is a mistake, and I think that they will come to their senses (I think this was just a bluff).

Belayman

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> i've got a long train ride to and from work each day, and i've got every episode of "The Office" on my iPod to get me through it. i bought them all via iTunes. i can't watch the show when it airs, and don't want to get a DVR just to watch one show. so it looks like i'll just stop watching The Office. thanks NBC.

oh, and i think it's funny that the NYT article about this story lists Sony as an Apple iTunes competitor. better update that bit!

mstump

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @deitiphobia:
Hm, HD content notwithstanding, um... let's see. Unlimited iPod device playback and up to 5 computers with any purchase. That's something XBOX doesn't hold a candle to my friend.

You can traffic all the garbagy arguments you want, but iTunes found a winning combination, and shouldn't bend over to Universal to screw that up for consumers. I don't want to here more stories of XBox owners discovering in horror how much their content is tied to their one box when it then proceeds to BRICK on them. Nice stuff right there.

Cleverboy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @Cyrano76: Not good enough, dude. Some people want to re-watch shows on their own terms, and are willing to PAY for it (showing the degree of cnvenience as a service). Honestly, this is an ass-backward thing to do.

Cleverboy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> GIZMODO!!! You just displayed the Heroes image with the faces lined up. This picture cries out to have Steve Jobs' face stuck in it. What's up with that? You just light his eyes on fire and caption it, "How do you stop an exploding Apple?" or... or... "Renew the contract, Save the world." Where's the irony? TFSU!

Cleverboy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Oh come on. When the hell are these companies going to realize that the days of them determining how and when consumers receive media is over. It's all about what company gives me what I want and how convieient it is for me to access content. I know that they want to make money but they are being completely greedy. There is no packaging involved with online content. No paying for them to be stored in a warehouse. No paying someone to ship the merchandise to stores. They are already making more money from online sales versus in store. And now they want more? Come on.

ginzuknives

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @ghmlco:

I bought Heroes on iTunes last year for $45 I buy what I like - after checking it out in "other" ways). The DVD set for Heroes came out this week for $36 - I could have saved $10, but I was supporting the show and my favorite computer company. Well, screw that! If they are going to screw the customer, screw them! See you on the pirate bay!

jsayreallen

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> This is a pissing contest between the head honcho at Universal and the head honcho at Apple... nothing more, nothing less. Egos, pure and simple. Hollywood, I believe, doesn't take kindly to Steve Jobs. Too much power, what with being the majority stockholder of Disney for God's sake.

Hollywood wants to take Jobs down a few notches. But with the billions of dollars in reserves at Apple and Jobs refusal to lose at something he really wants, this could get very interesting over the next few years.

Of course, now Jobs shine on a real video iPod will lose some luster if this gets blown out of proportion in the next few days.

XtremeCamera

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> This seems far more likely to have to do with HULU, the NBC Universal/News Corp online video venture and not just them trying to get more out of their iTunes contract. Maybe watch for a statement from News Corp. soon too that will say they will drop their deal as well. They hav to get people to use HULU and stop getting their stuff from iTunes somehow right?

My guess is that HULU is planned to exit beta right around January.

DoppleSeth

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> www.veoh.com

Sure, the quality is mediocre. But it's OK for on-the-go watching.

The problem I have with downloading episodes from iTunes is that they're still ridiculously overpriced. For about the same amount of money I pay for an entire season, I can just get the DVD boxed set. So I have to wait half a year. There's plenty of other shows to watch.
Unless iTunes pricing becomes (a lot) more competitive, there's just no way I'm buying their video content.

Hvedhrungr

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I stopped buying video on iTunes after my first and only purchase when I came to the realization that I couldn't do with the video what I could do with the music tracks, ie: free it from its DRM shackles by burning a copy to disk. Bogus. Now, the only video I get from Apple comes from the "free on itunes" page (on the rare occasion there's something worthwhile there...).

Pixelologist

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @Cyrano76: Yeah, you can watch it for free on NBC.com, but the quality really is horrible.

dansgil

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Dude, you guys need to chill. Just go to their website (nbc.com) and watch it. They put several of their shows online the next day, free and legal. Yeah, you might not OWN the video, but you can watch it. I repeat, FREE and LEGAL

Cyrano76

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> It's amazing the morons we have in the world today. Damn "entitlement" generation. You know, at one time, if you didn't like the way a company runs its business, you would "boycott" them. That means you "abstain" from using that company's products or services. Now days, if these idiots can't get it their way, they just steal it. God forbid your unable watch Heroes. Pathetic!

Marc

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> This is very odd.

In France, TF1 (one of the main TV moguls), has just announced that it will be selling on it's website the episodes of Heroes the NEXT day they are aired in the US (in English with french subtitles). The selling price... you guessed it: 1.99€ (or 2.99€ per episode if you do not sign up to buy all the episodes of the season).
This will be affective by the end of September!

So why cut the deal with iTunes? It's (kind of) the same price system.

Teebo

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Heroes can still be had in HD or Standard def download from Xbox Live Video Marketplace if you own a 360. Much better if you ask me...HD content actually on your TV set is much better than ITMS. Lets hope that MS finally brings some video to the Zune.

Asside from lack of Audible support, the Zune is really quite nice. The user interface is easier to use than iPod and has very cool animations and menu effects. It gets rid of the antiquated hierarchy that the iPod and other devices display and sort files. You really must try it...you'll be surprised I promise you.

Oh and ITMS doesn't hold a candle to Zune or WMP11 software. ITMS is buggy as all hell. And anyone that's owned an iPod and is serious with themselves knows how buggy the hardware can be. Random shutdowns, not turning on at times and complete hardware failure are the norm after about a year of use or less for iPods.

And the worst part about ITMS is that it does not have a subscription based all you can eat service unlike every other major music store. If you are a music lover and don't have a subscription service...you are missing out. Again...put your white brick down and try it.

deitiphobia

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I really hate to say it, but it looks like I have to finally learn how to use the new P2P networks to get my NBC content. For the upcoming season on other networks, I will just buy season passes.

I am certainly no Apple fanboi, but iTunes is how I get my TV shows. Frankly, if I am going to add extra steps to get tv shows on my computer and iPod, I am going to get my shows for free. If you act like a pain in the ass, I will hold onto my money.

I'm really sorry to be writing this. I am willing to pay. But I am not willing to get in the middle of some pissing content with media companies who simply don't get it. And I am not going to let some scumbags in Hollywood inconvienence me.

Universal will learn. So will NBC.

B. Whaler

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Good thing there are lots of torrent sites out there.

daath

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @flashjordan: Long day, not thinking when I post, and not 100% sure of ALL the information I posted. Merely stating that everything I said was not necessarily fact.

luckypictures

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Other people have said it. I'll say it too, I was going to buy it. Now I'll just get it for free. I hope some Universal execs are reading this.

gundark

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @bdkennedy1: How in the world is that easier??

mudman

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> It's easier to go buy the DVD box sets at the store and rip the disks. Then resell it on eBay or Amazon.

bdkennedy1

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> All I know is, I want to download Battlestar Galactica. I'm never going to subscribe to cable or satellite again, ever. So, Universal can either take my money, or they can not take my money and I get the content anyway. I would rather buy it and give them my money (the iTunes experience is much more convenient for me than hunting for uploaded files), but if they refuse to take it, what else can I do but download it for free.

Personally I think it's foolish to refuse money from someone eager to give it to you, but hey, no one said these old media dinosaurs were particularly smart. Good thing their execs will die of old age or heart attacks within the next few years.

s5

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> By pulling out of the iTunes store I hope they aren't just going to make it a Zune only offering. There's nothing worse than DRM but crappie DRM like the Zune has. They're going to be WMV instead of MP4s too.

Just to make sure you know I hate Apple's use of DRM too. But surely don't like the WMV format and Microsoft skipping out on the whole Plays for Sure stuff too. It's just a dick-ish move is all.

quayzar

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Did I forget to mention that they're idiots?

ghmlco

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> A TV show on iTunes is $2 a pop. A 24-episode season is $48 total, perhaps $4 cheaper if you do the season pass bit. On the flip side, a DVD set at the end of the year is around $45.

Or in other words, what they're charging now at Target for a set of boxed DVDs is basically what I'd pay on iTunes, with no box and no DVDs. (And I bet Target gets more as a retailer than Apple.)

With all of that, they want to RAISE prices? To what? Just how much do they think 40+ minutes of entertainment is worth? Especially with a BROADCAST television TV show that most can already get for free?

ghmlco

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Might be moving over to zune, MSNBC.
sweet...i love heroes, now i don't have to look for torrents any more, i hope.


wetworker

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @luckypictures: then why the hell did you even make a post if you don't really know what you're talking about?

flashjordan

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> *Heroes

DeadPlasmaCell

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Overall, my main biggest reaction was the near heart attack at the words NBC Universal Pulling the Plug.. and a picture of Heroes.

warkrismagic

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> iTunes has videos now? I've been so busy getting my content without DRM i've just stopped checking.

Khamel

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Hmm they're loosing Heros and M$ is getting it on the XBLM... The plot.. she is thick.

DeadPlasmaCell

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> People buy TV shows off of iTunes? I don't think I have ever done that and I download all my TV shows off of Bittorrent.

maevro

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Whew... I thought they were pulling the plug on Heroes! I love that show.

Kobe_No_Means_No

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Like the others have said, huge mistake on NBC/Universal's part. Some of the only video I've bought off of iTunes has been their content. I love The Office and Battlestar Galactica and would be sad to see them no longer available on iTS.

Somehow though, I doubt that they'll want to give up distributing one the largest provider of digital video. It's not really smart to give up the chance to distribute on the most popular player either. DRM and piracy aren't really an excuse since most people (meaning: not those who read tech sites) won't bother trying to deDRM their video.

wintermute0758

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> In the end everyone gets what they deserve. I download music and video from iTunes because of the convenience. Therefore if it's not on iTunes I don't buy. If you think I'm going to follow you where ever you go, you're wrong. So long NBC Universal, it's been nice, but not that nice.

mudman

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @Kim98:

Oh, I know: I'm sure that video sales on the iTMS aren't fantastic. Admittedly, I've pretty much ignored the TV section completely, and I do purchase music from it.

However, still, I think that the convenience of online video is very real and it's a possibility that, just as online music sales did, that online video sales may rise as people discover the service, and I was glad that so many companies were getting into the iTunes TV show catalog because I considered it adopting a new medium of getting their content to their audience in the most convenient way possible, thusly potentially making a lot more money. I think this is a mistake above all, because if online video gets more popular and NBC is left behind, they're really going to miss the train.

Polarimetric

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> You mean they're not going to let us pay for broadcast TV anymore?

The Horror.

SpacePenguinBot

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> @Kim98:
That's pretty naive.


itcomesinwaves

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Those ASSHOLES!, I was planning on getting all my NBC shows from iTunes next year when i am in college because I don't have time for watching TV when its on and I certainly don't have money to get a tivo. Well sorry NBC I love your network, I love universal, but it looks like I am going to have to resort to "Other" methods of getting your content... And if they are going to be on Amazon unbox or another service that uses MS DRM that isnt going to help me as I am on a Mac. So good job NBC I hope you at least start streaming The Office on your site or you are completely alienating the entire Mac consumer base. (Damn this really pisses me off I loved the season pass feature on iTunes and have been working over the summer so that I could subscribe to a bunch of shows this fall season, most of which were on NBC... Looks like they won't be getting my money... too bad).

Shorties

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> I really hope that this doesn't affect content from USA Network, SciFi, as they are subsidiaries of NBC Universal. The only shows I buy on iTunes happen to be those from NBC .

dansgil

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> polarimetric: I'm fairly sure that they aren't stopping to sell stuff on iTMS because it sold so well.

If people wanted to purchase their content on iTMS then they would be doing so and NBC wouldn't been pulling out. So if they are pulling out, that means it's not selling enough to be worth while.

Having said that, I'm one of those people who buy all my music online these days and I'd do the same for video (both movies and TV shows) if it was available in the area of the world where I live. So the fact that NBC pulls out bums me personally - but that doesn't mean I think NBC is being stupid for doing so. They are not a charity. If it doesn't make sense for them, then they won't do it. It's as simple as that!

Kim98

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Walking away from good money to side with . . . MSZune? NBC and MS are in bed w/ eachother so I'd say there's some bucks exchanging hands somewhere until they realize that they're not selling as much content to all eleven of the Zune owners out there. I see Tommy, and Nancy and Jimmy and Jane . . . oh Magic Mirror, where are all the video sales going?

aboriginal

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> When will this idiocy stop? Seriously. Companies need to get over themselves. I understand that everyone's out there to make money for themselves, but these companies need to start caring more about their customers and realize where people want to purchase their content. I know that's idealistic, but still.

Most of this is scare tactics, so I doubt it matters in the end.

Polarimetric

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Perhaps the real reason NBC Universal is dumping iTunes is because they've been working like crazy to develop they're own system with Intel for the past year or more. This system would keep all NBC content within their control and follow more of a rental system format. None of this is cutting edge or even very noteworthy except I'm a bit surprised they're pulling out right before the fall season without a viable solution in place. Ah but the networks are special, aren't they?

bedtime4democracy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> PS - Everything above is opinion, and in general, I don't know what I'm talking about, so feel free to flame away with any fact I may have mistated. Thank you.

luckypictures

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Apple hasn't made as big of a splash in video as they have in music and therefore do not have as much weight to throw around when it comes to licensing content.


wezelboy

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Zune what now?

Either that, or they're launching their own DRM free service, falling suit with Universal. Perhaps companies are realizing that it's more cost effective in the long run to not bother to fight piracy on some issues. Every DRM out there has been cracked, why spend millions trying to keep it going?

I know I'm going to get shit about every DRM being cracked, because I'm probably wrong. Has Blue-Ray been cracked yet? I don't know. Point is, Microsoft's DRM has been cracked, Apple's DRM has been cracked. Why fight it on the little stuff, when companies are starting to offer DRM free content?

I don't know any figures, but it seems that it'd be cheaper to distribute content without DRM.

luckypictures

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> HUGE mistake

eldosebabu

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Or maybe they've heard Apple is adding Blu-ray burners to Mac Pros next week? Or maybe someone paid them $150 million to pull out?

Oh wait MSnbc. UH, what could that mean?

leicaman

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> Oh, great, so that means I won't be able to download the 9th season of SVU when it comes out? Damn you NBC!!

metalgear08

]]> <![CDATA[NBC Universal Pulling the Plug on iTunes Content]]> HUGE mistake

mattw6789

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