Following a much-publicized spat several months ago over the download fee structure, Apple and NBC Universal have resumed their relationship, even though both firms continue to bicker over who got the better of whom on pricing tactics this time around.
The bottom line for consumers: NBCU's multi-network and production house content will again be offered for purchase online at the Apple iTunes Store—content this time that includes HD downloads.
For an unspecified period, Apple said, customers can download one HD (or plain old SD) episode for free from each of its various series' offerings, which now include: "The Office" (Season 4); "Heroes" (Season 2); "30 Rock" (Season 2); "Battlestar Galactica" (Season 4); "Monk" (Season 7); "House" (Season 4); "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Season 9); "Lipstick Jungle" (Season 1); "In Plain Sight (Season 1)"; "Psych" (Season 3); and "Life" (Season 1).
NBCU's HD downloads are $3; SD episodes are $2. (It might be worth noting consumer preferences in the months ahead between HD and SD downloads, considering the price difference). Apple is currently prompting online customers to upgrade to its free iTunes 8 and Quicktime 7.5.5 software, which is not strictly required for downloads but would be needed to take advantage of its free offers.
