Australian iTunes store offers TV downloads

Adam Turner
Tuesday, 24 June 2008 17:27

Your IT - Entertainment

Television downloads have finally come to the Australian iTunes store after Apple launched the service with zero fanfare on Tuesday evening.

Available programs include Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and South Park, whilst Australian content includes McLeod's Daughters, Sea Patrol II, Summer Heights High and We Can Be Heroes. All programs sell for $2.99 per episode, compared to $US1.99 in the United States, and an entire season can be purchased from between $15 and $65.

Apple Australia has made no official announcement regarding the introduction of television downloads, apart from a sign "TV Shows just added" on the front page of the Australian iTunes store. Content providers include ABC Studios, the Disney Channel, MTV, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Australia's Nine Network. None of the 23 available programs appear to be first run, all have screened previously on Australian television.

The new offerings come just days after the opening of the Sydney Apple store and only weeks before the launch of the iPhone 3G in Australia. Downloaded television shows are compatible with both the iPhone and the Apple TV set top box.

For further details visit here.