Last September saw NBC programming pulled off the Apple iTunes Store after a dispute between the two companies over tougher anti-piracy measures and a refusal to raise prices.
Just last month, NBC opened up the lines of communication again, and seemed to want back in, so long as their original complaints were dealt with. Apple didn’t budge, so it looks as though NBC has gone looking for a new distributor.
Microsoft Better Than Apple?
It has now found it in the form of Microsoft, who as part of an announcement about new Zune features, let it slip that NBC programmes will now be available through the online store.
According to PC World, the videos will come from Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Turner Broadcasting and VH1,a nd will be available for $1.99 per episode. Which seems strange as that was the price which NBC wanted changing on iTunes.
Movement On Prices
Julio Estrada, general manager for Zune Social said:
“We have worked closely with them [NBC] around flexibility and protection of IP,”
“Zune will control the price of the episodes, but we’re open to understanding which episodes can be priced lower and how we may introduce premium content which may be priced higher than $1.99,”
Microsoft also hinted at future video services coming to the Xbox 360, saying that people buying programmes through their Zune will have the option to watch them on their TVs through the games console.
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