MacDailyNews - Where Mac news comes first

yeah, wtf??? I want all the backlogged episodes on hits like Family Guy, West Wing, and the Simpsons.

yarrrrrrrr. somethin's a brewin'!

If content comes through iTunes...great
If content comes through another means of delivery...no problem

Apple built it. The content will come. Just like with music. And Apple doesn't profit that much from iTunes Music Store so they are fairly agnostic about how the content gets to the device.

I wouldn't expect content to just show up...

I'd expect it to come with an announcement.... Something like Macworld next month?

These shows for download are just an interim measure until the introduction of the new Mac mini, which will become the source for downloads to video iPods, at least for Mac users.

I was hoping for more TV show content by now. I understand it takes time to ramp up, but expected at least another network to publish something.

Yeah, wait for MacWorld. I imagine ABC got an exclusive few months for being the first to sign up.

In fact, I expect every cable network to pound down the doors to get in on that.

I think stuff that's already on DVD will most likely not make it in the store. Sure they started with old eps of Desperate Housewives and Lost, but You can get the entire season plus extras on DVD for cheaper and better quality. But for shows like Letterman, it would be really nice to be able to download a missed episode. Just get "The Office" DVD set, with both seasons and the christmas special...it's been out for a while now.

imacattack,
I couldn't disagree with you more. This may not be a problem yet, but it could easily become a big problem.

It appears to me that, as SteveJack says, the networks are being cautious with Apple, not wanting them to become as dominant as they are with online music. That's fine if they eventually give in and provide Apple with some content.

The alternative, however, is not so good. Apple has obviously been successful with selling episodes. If the networks can find alternatives that are even partially successful, they may keep Apple out of the loop altogether.

Apple is very concerned about how the content is distributed. They want it to be through them. It's the networks that are fairly agnostic about how and through whom it is sold.

What if perhaps Microsoft were to make a deal with the networks that enables their DRM to be attached to the content being sold through various online distributors? Then suddenly you've got five shows that can be imported to your iPod and 500 shows that cannot. Suddenly we have a big problem.

I don't think we have reason to be overly concerned quite yet, but this could very easily become an ugly war with the consumer on the losing end.

Why? Money is money. Who cares how the revenues come in? There are numerous distribution channels.

(that was in response to Noella, about DVD material)

Mike,
Why wouldn't shows just show up in iTMS? Why would Apple feel like they need to wait to announce a deal instead of just releasing them immediately? They surely don't do that with music.

Noella,
"Just get "The Office" DVD set, with both seasons and the christmas special...it's been out for a while now."
- That doesn't exactly do much good if you want a current season episode.

You lot certainly know how to moan the other side of the pond, eh?

Here in the Danish iTMS, we have iPod video (players) but no videos yet. So, I'm worrying myself daft that you haven't got enough TV programmes to watch on your iPods over there.

Get real! Try worrying about something important.

Well, it's only been 6 weeks so far, and these ARE the TV network dinosaurs we're talking about here after all. They're always the last ones to realize when times are a changin'...

Movies!!! Not TV shows.

These big media companies love to hem and haw and try failed experiments and drag their feet. The content will come, and MUSIC will keep iPods going strong in the mean time.

Who knows how long Disney dragged their feet? They are the ONLY ones Apple told about this. Now the others have just found out for the first time.

Maybe they are waiting to see how the holiday season plays out, or they are letting Disney / ABC be the Giunea Pig.

yea i totally agree with Steve Jack, i ve been keeping an eye out for deal annoucements between Apple & TV Networks but still none so far, i have the same concern… it seems like networks want to avoid Apple or at least wait till after Jobs & the music company's talk (which i believe sometime early next year) just to see how much Apple would give in in terms of pricing because of course they too when they join, would want to have much control over prices for one.

To me, the bad signs are they (the networks), not that they don't want their shows distributed now, they do have plans for it but too bad not thru Apple, maybe that's why Jobs has to resort to UK networks for their shows… well hopefullly Jobs can once again persuade those big name network with popular shows, US & beyond, to join the iTunes party soon, very soon.

I would like to see episodes of old TV classics, such as "All In The Family", "The Lucy Show", "Saturday Night Live", etc...

Come on, Fox! I love "Arrested Development" and am willing to SHOW you that love, $1.99 a week.

"Just get "The Office" DVD set, with both seasons and the christmas special...it's been out for a while now."

-- That's the UK "The Office". The article is referring to the US "The Office" (on NBC).

iPods are selling as fast as they're made. Apple's opinion: what's to worry about. We'll work behind the scenes until next quarter. Then spring mega content into itunes. In the mean time third party facilitators, developers and pron can lead the way. We'll wait and see where this puppy leads us. Besides, Apple's tivo like project, is usurping personnel holiday time.

If the record companies hadn't been sitting on their asses, there would have never been a need for iTMS. Each record label could have had their own online stores.

Maybe the television studios are looking at going this route instead. Why go through Apple and pay them a small fee when you can keep it in house?

Honestly, I have no interest in paying for any television show that can be seen for free. But I do understand that some people might want to pay for an episode that they missed if they are really into the show.

Maybe the networks will provide episodes in a higher resolution than what is available from iTMS.

iTunes has another huge issue with its video content : resolution ! Its mediocre 320x240 is completely ridiculous compared to most TV shows available right now on BitTorrent in superb HD resolution of 960x528.

What's wrong with Apple ? They've proclaimed 2005 as the year of HD and they're providing their TV shows/clips/movies in ultra-low resolution. This is simply stupid, and will only encourage people to keep on downloading shows illegally with P2P networks such as BitTorrent.

remeber that Steve Jobs said that the 5th gen iPod is still just a MP3 player that happens to bring video along for the ride. Maybe apple isn't in such a hurry to provide as much video content for the iPod as they do with music. The "M" in iTMS still stands for "music". I would guess that Apple is prepping to release the next version of Front Row that will be installed on Mac Minis, iMacs and iBooks (if not ALL macs) and will have a new feature that allows you to download content through Front Row much like iTunes. It would be the missing link for those Windows users who bought iPods but STILL haven't switched to a Mac. Too bad it's not available now for Christmas!

StarMike: the resolution was a negotiated item with Disney, who owns the content. Starting with just Pixar shorts wouldn't have seemed like much...

SteveJack: All those others have made announcements, but I think none are actually available until 2006. But the floodgates have opened for independents and free stuff.

Now if an Apple PVR is really coming and soon, I think Apple would have to make it known under NDA to the content providers. This could throw some kinks into negotiations especially if the networks plan to fight it.

Remember Quicktime TV? I'd rather have that back than part with my $2.

If the networks decide to go the route of selling shows on their own, you can bet it's going to have some type of DRM on it, and it's not going to be Apple's. So in Apple's long term interests, they are NOT going to want others to lay the groundwork. It not make much money now, but in a couple years it will be very important that Apple has a lead in the distribution of online media.

Apple DVR/Tivo killer with auto format for iPod if desired = unlimited content of my choosing in my itunes video folder.

Not worried.... I've ripped plenty of DVDs to keep me entertained until either Apple rolls out more content in January, Apple delivers a Mac mini DVR solution or some third party delivers.

iPods continue to fly off the shelf... don't worry about a shortage of content.... there will be plenty.

Hey, it's highly possible that Fox, CBS, and NBC have already signed deals with iTMS but are under NDA until MacWorld Expo.

ABC/Disney may have a 90-day exclusive, or ...

Apple is planning an enormous digital hub splash with the new Mac mini and an Airport video express at MWSF. A huge expansion in iTMS video content at that time would give lots of people greater incentive to buy the mini. And the ensuing buzz would be astronomical, sending Jobs' RDF all over the world.

sg: Sorry, I'm only thinking about The BBC original version. I totally forgot about the subpar american version of it.

Commercial rights are complicated. For example, Survivor is shown on CBS. It's produced by Mark Burnett. He sells old seasons to OLN. CBS may not own the rights to sell Survivor thru the iTMS. Apple may have to negotiate with Mark Burnett. It's all quite complicated, moreso than even music, methinks.

boys and girls,
apple has all the bases covered.

if the networks are not forth coming with content to be sold via iTMS, then Apple will launch the mac mini DVR (as per rumours) that will connect your shows directly onto your iPod.

either way, Apple is in a win-win situation.

i have also just read that for the last quarter iTMS contributed $53 million in revenue to Warners coffers.

boy am i glad i bought stock back in 2000, no way am i about to miss this gravy train.

Absolutely. Stevo. You are correct. Do you think it's coincidence that because networks have been stupid in not talking to Apple, that suddenly rumours of the mac mini started surfacing. The mini was set to come out later in 2006. Now it will be coming out with DVR. While Apple will still pursue the success of adding TV shows to iTunes, the DVR functionality will explode sales of the mini. Who wouldn't want a $500 computer that is a DVR, burns DVDs, allows for virus free email and web searching, syncs to their iPod, plays music (integrated with home stereo systems), displays photos...etc... you get the picture. Bye bye media PC, hello Apple.

Then since shows will already be available on the iPod, networks will have no choice but to license to the iTunes store. Increased revenue. Period.

I think some big announcements are coming at Macworld since his "Steveness" is giving the keynote. Also you know how he always likes to make these kinds of announcements at special events. I think if content is coming from FOX, NBC, etc. Steve Jobs is going to make a big deal about it, with the CEOs of these networks coming on stage with him.

Just a point but aint "The Office" a British show...yes you guys in the US made a really bad copy...but the "The Office" is British!

Seriously... where's the prOn??

The American networks remade The Office????

Honestly, they'd repaint the Mona Lisa with New York in the background if they could.

You make an excellent point. One in which I hadn't considered before. Apple has got to act fast and clean up house in some way before they have a real problem in their hands. It would not be good at all if Microsoft gains control of content in the way you say. I agree I could see it too. I'm only really concerned as I own stock in Apple myself. Otherwise I could care less. Bittorrent is a beautiful thing.

Why aint we got access to some TV Shows yet? and why cant we put our own on and list them as a TV Show, I just dont understand why they are being so slow.

Maybe apple will come out with some more T.V. shows after the new years. ( or at least I hope so)

http://www.applematters.com/index.php/section/comments/new_shows/


This website says what shows are coming.

<font color="#FF00FF
">pink</font>!

Hello everyone. The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible. Help me! It has to find sites on the: Detox foot pads toxin colors. I found only this - body pure Detox pads foot pads. Not heal pain at all, it pads like she could alleviate a air of $20 on those soles, chickee! For bodies of hemorrhoids, immemorial lot encouraged techniques made just in the body removing in the headaches of our feet and functions. :o Thanks in advance. Severin from Lithuania.