Cable operator Comcastannounced today it has struck a deal with NBC to offer television programming from NBC’s broadcast and cable networks via Comcast’s On Demand service beginning in May, 2006, at prices lower than those for the same programming for sale via Apple’s iTunes Music Store.
NBC prime-time programming will be available to Comcast video-on-demand customers for $0.99 per episode as early as midnight following the program’s original broadcast, while NBC’s late-night, daytime, and cable-based shows will be available at no additional charge. On Demand users can play, fast-forward, rewind, pause and restart their choices as many times as they want for up to 24 hours after being selected. Comcast hasn’t announced whether the programming will br presented commercial-free; episodes of the same NBC programming available via iTunes have no commercials.
NBC programming scheduled to be available via Comcast video-on-demand include prime-time shows The Office, the entire Law & Order franchise (including SVU, CI, newcomer Conviction, and the original L&O), and Las Vegas. Late-night and daytime programming will include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the soap opera Passions; NBC-owned cable programming will include USA’s Monk, Sci-Fi’s Battlestar Galactica and Ghost Hunters, and Bravo’s Celebrity Poker Showdown.
“Our growing on-demand lineup of broadcast TV, movies, original content and great cable network shows gives customers access to the ultimate time-shifted viewing experience. With more than 2 billion VOD views since 2004, Comcast customers are showing their strong desire to watch what they want when they want on TV,” said Steve Burke, Comcast’s COO and President of Comcast Cable.
NBC’s David Zaslav said, “We’re committed to helping viewers enjoy our programs in the ways that are most convenient for them. We’re excited to work with Comcast, the country’s VOD leader, to offer NBC Universal shows on a platform customers are embracing in record numbers.”
