SAN JOSE, Calif. – Desperate Housewives, Lost, That’s So Raven and other TV shows can now be downloaded for US$1.99 to Apple’s brand new video iPod.
Apple today unveiled what was a poorly-kept secret, its new 30 and 60-GB iPod, which will play video on its 2.5-inch screen (starting at US$299). To put that into perspective, many digital video recorders being handed out by MSOs are 80-gig, although the HD DVRs have moved up to 120 GB.
In concert with the new iPod reveal was the launch of the next generation of iTunes – the sixth – which will allow users to download over 2,000 music videos and other content like the ABC programs and other short films from Pixar. The TV shows will be made available a day after their original broadcast.
Customers can purchase and download their favorite television shows from iTunes the day after they air on TV, watch them on their Mac or PC – and auto-sync them onto the new iPod for viewing anywhere.
"We’re doing for video what we’ve done for music – we’re making it easy and affordable to purchase and download, play on your computer, and take with you on your iPod," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "Right out of the gate we’re offering 2,000 music videos, Pixar’s short films and hit primetime TV shows like Desperate Housewives and Lost."
Offering video on demand this way completely by-passes the traditional TV system, for now. Cable operators have long wanted current shows made available through their VOD systems but have had little success, other than from pay-TV providers.
"For the first time ever, hit primetime shows can be purchased online the day after they air on TV," said Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company. "We’re delighted to be working with Apple to offer fans a new and innovative way to experience our wildly popular shows like Desperate Housewives, Lost and That’s So Raven."
"Apple is giving music fans a great way to own their favorite music videos," added Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. "The people at Apple fully understand the interaction between musicians and their audience."
Featured exclusive music videos are available from artists such as Beastie Boys and U2 along with more than two dozen classic music videos from Madonna. Music videos are available from hundreds of artists, including classic hits by Michael Jackson and Sting and current hits from Coldplay and Kanye West.
Music fans can also purchase the complete Stevie Wonder digital box set, which contains over 500 songs, a full color digital booklet and three bonus videos, available only on the iTunes Music Store. Movie shorts available from Pixar include Boundin’, For the Birds, Geri’s Game, Luxo Jr., Red’s Dream, and Tin Toy.
New features in iTunes 6 include expanded online gift options which now allow customers to give specific songs, albums, music videos or their own iTunes playlists to anyone with an email address, a public beta of new "Just for You" personalized music recommendations and the debut of online customer reviews.
