ABC offers some of its shows on iTunes, but a new venture set to launch in May
called My ABC will allow fans to download free (but ad-supported) episodes of Lost, Desperate
Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. This sounds like a pretty cool idea, and it would be even cooler if I
actually watched those shows. The "selling" point, however, will be in how ABC incorporates ads into these
downloaded shows. DVR has spoiled some of us, but television watchers are used to seeing commercials. People who are
online, however, don't take as kindly to intrusive advertising. It's a necessary evil, but ABC would be wise
to consider the medium they'll be utilizing.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-02-2006 @ 1:44PM
doc said...
Do you have a link? I'm curious as to what kind of DRM scheme they are including in this and whether it is going to be tied to a certain player or operating system.
Reply
3-02-2006 @ 2:01PM
Ed said...
It doesn't mention DRM in the article (click the Read link). I'm wondering if this will be file based or streaming only.
Reply
3-02-2006 @ 2:34PM
doc said...
D'oh. I looked right over that link. Thanks Ed. I tend to suspect some kind of streaming solution, but actually like the idea of making it file based and releasing the episodes into the wild. Embrace the bit-torrent technology and let your viewers provide the bandwidth to transfer those files.
Reply
3-02-2006 @ 4:01PM
SenorWeird said...
Excuse me, but if the episodes are DRM free, I will GLADLY approve of Ad-supported files that are downloadable. Even if they're slightly lower in quality than DVDs, so that DVD sales are pushed harder. And yes, I know that bittorrent supplies HD quality files (my personal collection can prove that). But let's thank the networks for embracing technology the right way first. Rather than expect them to one-up the unofficial workarounds they're trying to combat against.
Reply
3-02-2006 @ 4:14PM
Seaborn said...
Is it safe to assume this will be restricted to those of you (un?)lucky enough to live in the states?
Reply
3-02-2006 @ 5:44PM
Don Wilson said...
You don't watch Grey's Anatomy or Desperate Housewives? What's wrong with you? ;)
Reply
3-02-2006 @ 11:24PM
Lampbane said...
I think this is a good idea seeing as how I usually use BitTorrent to catch up on episodes I missed, or to watch series that aren't out on DVD yet.
Basically, supply the demand, networks! And no, charging $1.99 for something that was free the day before is not the solution.
Reply
3-04-2006 @ 3:35AM
Sam said...
I agree $1.99 the day after it was free is ridiculous, but as my fellow American "stationed abroad" Seaborn (small world, he's my neighbor), alluded to, we don't have many options. For people in our situation, $1.99 sounds pretty good to be able to see the programs at all. Call me silly, but I'll probably keep paying the $2, just so I won't have to deal with commercials.
Reply
3-04-2006 @ 9:18AM
Brean said...
i really hope they follow through with this. i have been wanting to get the eps of these shows forever but i don't have an ipod. i don't really care if there are commercials either.
Reply
3-05-2006 @ 12:15AM
doc said...
I have just started using Democracy (http://www.getdemocracy.com/), and it would be perfect for something like this.
Reply