iPod's menu offers NBC variety

iPod's menu offers NBC variety
WASHINGTON - NBC Universal Inc has added its hit shows to the iPod menu and these will now be available for purchase via the iTunes Music store. Both NBC and Apple announced this agreement yesterday. NBC has agreed to give 11 shows at $1.99 per download.

The addition of NBC's hit shows like "The Office," "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," "Law & Order,” and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" beefs up the video iPod's tally. Apple has already sold 3 million videos since the release of the video iPod in October. The initial shows offered were from ABC Network and included bestsellers like "Lost" and "desperate Housewives."

"We are committed to helping viewers enjoy the wide breadth of our programs across an equally wide range of devices and distribution models," said Robert Wright, CEO of NBC Universal in a statement. "Apple has developed a distribution platform that is attractive to consumers while at the same time providing the safeguards against theft that are so important to us and to every content provider. We are pleased to partner with them in this new venture."

The iPod made its debut as a digital music player in 2001 and has become a household name in just over four years. The huge popularity of the device has meant that Apple has been able to expand in different areas and the video iPod is another winner from the Cupertino, California-based company.

On its part, NBC also has a lot to gain from the deal. "We get branded pages and a considerably broader range of content on the site," said John Miller, CMO of NBC Universal. “Each will be a living, evolving retail space where we can preview shows, present free special offerings, and offer product for sale--the next stage for iTunes video electronic sell-through. Soon a Bravo Page will follow--and perhaps others."

So it is a win-win situation both ways. Apple has already indicated that it is looking for more content providers to join the video iPod bandwagon. That should really be no problem as companies are falling over one another to have their name associated with the iPod.