NBC, CBS launch pay to timeshift plan with Comcast DirecTV

November 8, 2005

Looks like the networks in the US are wanting to see if people will pay them for repeats like they are paying Apple over at iTunes. Only this time, it is hard to figure exacltly what is going on, as not only do the networks not have a video player, they also don't have a store! Ahhh, that's too bad now isn't it? Anyway, to add insult to injury, one of the deals mentioned in this BetaNews article states the the re-run will come complete with commercials. What a deal! But wait...it gets worse!

In the CBS deal, commercials will remain intact, however NBC's offering will cut out the commercials much like the agreement ABC has with Apple's iTunes for its programming.

"We're offering hit programming that is extremely well-suited for this new medium, and we're confident the lure of watching these shows at one's own convenience, will make this feature wildly popular," CBS chairman Les Moonves said in a statement.

Programming available through Comcast On Demand will include "CSI," "NCIS," "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race." Viewers would have a window of 24 hours after purchase to view the recordings. In some select areas, customers would have the option of purchasing "CSI" and "NCIS" in high-definition format.

NBC's programming will include "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Law & Order: SVU," "Surface" and "The Office" from its broadcast network. USA Network's "Monk" and the Sci-Fi Channel's "Battlestar Galactica" would also be made available, as the network's sister studio, NBC Universal, produces those shows.

To be able to purchase the content, DirecTV subscribers would need to buy the company's new Interactive DVR unit that is slated to be made available within the next few months.

Who in the world would want to spend good money on a special recorder that "allows" you to time shift for 99 cents a pop? Then you have to watch the darn thing in 24 hours or you just lost your money? This ain't going on an iPod this is on your television. So no fancy encoding process has been performed for us. By the way, what in the heck is better about this deal than a DirecTiVo or even a good old DVD recorder or VCR?

Am I missing something or is this the handwriting on the wall for us?
Will we soon have to pay for the pleasure of time-shifting whether we like
it or not? Has Apple opened a Pandora's box by showing we are so flush with cash
that we will actually pay for an episode of television sprinkled with DRM dust?
Please, let us know your thoughts.

Source: BetaNews