ABC To Test Streaming Video

 
By Sherri April 10, 2006




Already a proponent of Internet TV, network giant ABC has announced plans to test streaming some of its show content the day after episodes air on regular television. Shows such as "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" will lead the test run, but this won't follow the iTunes' model.

Rather than allow viewers the ability to download the episodes to their computers, the ABC trial will require viewers to watch the shows pretty much then and there. Stop, rewind and fast-forward features will be available, but commercials will be impossible to skip over.

Also unlike the iTunes model, however, these shows will not cost $1.99 an episode to watch. They will be free during the trial.

The test run will start next month and it's reported to also eventually include shows such as "Alias" and "Commander in Chief," and some Disney programming as well.

Even though the model ABC is testing is limited, it should come as great news to download fans. No doubt other networks are watching the success ABC and parent company Disney are having on iTunes and they will certainly pay attention to the outcome of this trial.

If all goes well, we can expect some big things for Internet TV in the future.
Source: CBC