14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has issued an official report telling iTunes fans that all four of the major networks today are offering primetime programs in HD on the iTunes Store. Apple also used this opportunity to reveal that people using the iTunes Store on their Mac, iPod or Apple TV have downloaded some 200+ million TV shows to date.
Following NBC's example, ABC, CBS and FOX are all bringing their content to the iTunes Store, and in HD. Viewer favorites include “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Lost” from ABC, “CSI” and “CSI: Miami” from CBS, “Bones” and “Prison Break” airing on FOX, and “Heroes” and “The Office” from NBC Universal, says Apple. Apple insisted on pointing out that its iTunes Store sold more than one million HD episodes since last month, when NBC brought the first HD programs.
“We’ve got an incredible Fall 2008 TV lineup with over 70 primetime comedies and dramas, including many of the most popular shows on TV in stunning HD,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “With over 200 million episodes sold, iTunes customers have proven they love watching television on their computer, iPod, iPhone and TV with Apple TV.”
Whether or not this is the complete list of HD programs currently available on the iTunes Store, Apple says it can confirm the following shows as immediately available:
ABC - “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Eli Stone,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Life on Mars,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty”
CBS - “CSI,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: New York,” “NCIS” and “Numb3rs”
FOX - “Bones,” “House,” “Prison Break” and “Sons of Anarchy,” which airs on FX
NBC - shows include “30 Rock,” “Heroes,” “Kath & Kim,” “Knight Rider,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Life,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “My Own Worst Enemy” and “The Office,” and SCI FI Channel’s “Battlestar Galactica” and “Eureka,” and USA Network’s “In Plain Sight,” “Monk,” “Psych” and “The Starter Wife”.
Currently, the iTunes Store boasts the world’s largest online catalog of TV programs. Over 70 comedies and dramas are now available from the major networks, while TV shows spanning over 70 cable networks are also viewable.
iTunes Store standard-def shows are priced at $1.99 per episode, while HD programs from the four major labels mentioned today go for $2.99 a piece. Season passes can be acquired. See more on iTunes here, or visit the iTunes Store here.