'Lost' End In Sight  By Sherri
- (0) comments  May 07, 2007
 "Lost" fans can breath a little easier. The ABC show does have a set end in sight, but it's not coming any time soon. According to an article on SyFy Portal, the show still has 48 episodes to go, which will air over the course of three mini-seasons. The JJ Abrams vehicle will end its third season shortly. "I always said that we would allow the series to grow and give viewers the most compelling hour possible," Steve McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment, has been quoted as saying. "And, due to the unique nature of the series, we knew it would require an end date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent throughout, and to give the audience the payoff they deserve." With some very unusual twists and turns, "Lost" has a strong and loyal fan following. Yet, the show has slumped in the ratings as of late. The ending deal appears to be a bit of a compromise between producers and ABC that will allow the ending to be told the way the creative forces behind "Lost" desired. While the ending being announced likely won't make some fans happy, the deal to preserve the integrity of the story is good news. Unlike other shows that have been forced to wrap up quickly, it sounds like "Lost" might not leave fans feeling that way. The show airs on ABC on Wednesdays. It can be viewed online via iTunes and other locations, as well. Related: 'Lost' Season 3 In Full Force"Lost" Interactive TV GameLabels: abc, itunes, jj abrams, lost
Ms. Pac-Man Makes Her iPod Debut By Sherri
- (0) comments April 22, 2007
 Apple's still relatively new at offering games for on-the-go players, but it appears as if the company is on the right track. The titles for the iPod aren't ground breaking, but they are fairly well rounded. The latest addition to the lineup is a blast from the past, but the emphasis is on "blast," especially for those of us who grew up playing the title in arcades and burger joints. Ms. Pac-Man officially brings the number of games for the iPod up to a small, but respectable dozen. In fact, to sweeten the game playing deal, iTunes is offering all 12 games in a package for $59.99. Ms. Pac-Man herself can be purchased for a cool $4.99, which isn't bad considering. The more "manly" version of the game is also available for iPod play. Right now the games on the site range from card offerings, such as Texas Hold'em and Royal Solitaire, to puzzle creations such as Suduko and Tetris. While there is certainly room for improvement as far as iPod games are concerned, the lineup so far isn't half bad. Considering this format is about as portable as it gets and music can be played at the same time, it's not a bad deal at all. Someday, hopefully, the roster will be almost as impressive as iTunes television library. Related: iTunes’ DRM Under Fire In EuropeiTunes On Wii Possible With OrbLabels: apple, ipod, ipod games, itunes, ms pacman, pacman
Starz Sues Disney Over iTunes, Wal-Mart By Sherri
- (0) comments March 25, 2007
 The folks over at Disney might not be zippedy do dah’ing this week. Starz Entertainment has slapped a lawsuit against Disney’s Buena Vista Television for its alleged violation of a 2005 licensing agreement that gave Starz the exclusive rights to market big-name Disney movies for download. Starz is saying Disney’s agreements with iTunes and Wal-Mart for download sales of movies such as “Pirates of the Carbbean: Dead Man’s Chest” violates the deal, which Starz has paid more than $1 billion for. “Our issue is that the contract has a clear prohibition from them doing this and we gave them notice, had a number of exchanges and had meetings and they denied our request for relief," Starz Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Clasen has been quoted as saying. "We are absolutely adamant in protecting our contractual rights and licenses.” The suit might seek all revenue enjoyed by Disney as a result of any sales via iTunes and Wal-Mart. The suit in and of itself isn’t what’s interesting here. What is, however, is the fact that download rights are becoming big enough business to warrant territorial battles and lawsuits. Digital viewing has come a long way. Related: Starz, Azureus Pair UpDisney Downloads Top 4 Million On iTunesLabels: disney, itunes, online movies, online tv, starz, vongo, wal-mart
‘Raines’ Free On iTunes, NBC By Sherri
- (0) comments March 19, 2007
 Jeff Goldblum’s seeing dead people and they’re everywhere. You, too, can see them if you check out NBC’s latest series “Raines.” The crime-fighting show recently debuted on NBC. The show has Goldblum filling the shoes of Michael Raines, a detective with an ability to speak to the dead. Murder victims seem to pop up all over Los Angeles to give Raines solid clues about their cases. “Raines” just arrived on NBC, and the pilot episode is available for free right now. NBC.com has the show streaming at no charge, along with a lot of other information on the show’s official site. “Raines” is also free at the moment on iTunes, where a season pass will set viewers back by $14.99. “Raines” airs Thursdays at 10 EST on NBC. It moves to Thursdays at 9 EST starting March 30. I haven’t checked this one out as of yet, but with two free options to do so, I’ll be tuning in before too much longer. Related: NBC Gets Sued Over ‘Heroes’NBC Kicks Up Online 'Heroes' Promotions Free TV On iTunes‘Rules Of Engagement’ Online For FreeLabels: itunes, jeff goldblum, nbc, nbc.com, raines
‘Heroes’ Keeps Getting Better By Sherri
- (0) comments February 27, 2007
 As NBC’s “Heroes” races toward its season finale, the action just keeps heating up. In the case of tonight’s episode – literally. I won’t go into any spoilers, per say, for those who are waiting to check out the latest “Heroes” on NBC.com or iTunes. Suffice it to say, tonight’s installment was a huge eye opener and a question creator all in one. With the entire episode focusing on the Bennets, Matt, Ted, the Haitian and some serious back-story, this might be the most crucial installment yet for those trying to unravel the mystery behind the innocent looking paper company in Odessa, Texas. Plus, there was a rather interesting appearance by a young Hiro and his father. It looks like next week’s show will finally give some insight into the real identity of Mr. Linderman, which makes that one a must see. There’s still time for the “Heroes” uninitiated to check it out in its entirety. Between iTunes and NBC.com, every episode is available. NBC’s keeping up about six free episodes at a time, so the deal shouldn’t set potential viewers back too much either. The streaming video does require some commercial watching, but the interruptions are kept at a minimum. Related: ‘Heroes’ Paternity Scandal‘Heroes’ Shocker Coming In FebruaryNBC Kicks Up Online 'Heroes' Promotions Labels: heroes, itunes, nbc, nbc.com
‘My Name Is Earl’ Online Now By Sherri
- (0) comments February 23, 2007
 NBC’s “My Name Is Earl” has made its way to iTunes with full seasons and by-the-episode buys available. According to an article in World Screen yesterday, the distribution deal between NBC and 20th Century Fox TV will also make the comedy a staple on sites like MySpace, CinemaNow and WalMart.com. There are also full episodes now available on NBC.com. Expect a commercial here and there in this streaming format, but the intrusion isn’t half bad. In a joint statement, 20th Century Fox TV presidents Dana Walden and Gary Newman remarked: "My Name is Earl is a perfect comedy for the digital age—it's youthful, innovative and incredibly funny. Making a deal that extends the show's reach was important to both companies and will be a huge win for the show, for its fans and for the new viewers we'll recruit through these alternative platforms. We're thrilled to see it happen." The People Choice Favorite New Television Comedy-winning show deals with redemption on a comedic level. It looks like a pretty nutty ride. Related: NBC Kicks Up Online 'Heroes' PromotionsNBC offers The Office mini-episodes only online iTunes GripeLabels: cinemanow, fox, itunes, my name is earl, nbc, walmart
Joost, Viacom Ink Deal By Sherri
- (0) comments February 21, 2007
 Viacom has signed on to be one of the “key content partners” on the Joost Internet television service when it goes live. The deal gives Joost access to programming from MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures. According to the media release, Joost will give users free access to thousands of programs not normally available on the Web. “Through Joost, viewers can watch programming from many of Viacom’s brands on their computers through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features such as links that lead to more information or related websites based on the content; and a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards, and news tickers.” The service is available right now in limited beta, and is touted as being the first online, global TV distribution platform, bringing together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment. With Viacom coming onboard, Joost is well on its way to seeing if this model of free viewing and ads will work. It’s my guess, the site will be a big hit if the commercials aren’t too invasive. The short ads on Innertube and NBC.com are just the right length and frequency, anything more would be an annoyance making the iTunes $1.99 seem more than worth the price. Related: The Venice Project Becomes JoostSkype Gets Into Online TVLabels: bet, itunes, joost, mtv, paramount pictures, viacom
‘Jericho’ Leaves Fans Wanting More By Sherri
- (0) comments February 20, 2007
 “Jericho” followers that have been dying to find out what happens next in this tiny little town with a huge ability to survive don’t have to wait much longer. The show returns with new episodes Wednesday on CBS. The return episode, “The Day Before,” will deliver a lot of surprises for fans as more questions about the pre-bomb days are answered. The episode, which I had a chance to review thanks to the great folks over at CBS, doesn’t answer everything, however. It clears up just enough of the mystery to be a tease while opening up the door on a whole bunch of new questions in the process. Brilliant! While I don’t believe in getting into spoilers, I will say this: “The Day Before” is a must-see for “Jericho” fans. It gives a whole lot of insight into the past while laying the groundwork for some potentially great plotlines in the future. For those who don’t know, I had not really checked out “Jericho” prior to this past week. I did a marathon over the weekend to catch up in order to be able to view “The Day Before” with an open mind. I’ve made it clear before that “Jericho’s” reality-based fiction that addresses issues so relevant to today’s news isn’t my cup of tea as far as genres are concerned. “Jericho” might be fiction, but it’s dealing with storylines that many people outside America (and maybe some inside, too) would like to see become fact. I must, however, admit “Jericho” has me hooked. I’m not happy about it, but it’s true. I haven’t run into a show in a very long time that manages to choke me up quite as much as this one does while still presenting interesting, sympathetic characters and some great action to boot. Despite my disdain for this type of show, “Jericho” is absolutely worth a watch. The writing is solid. The acting is great. And, well frankly, the whole “what if” the show presents might be a needed wake up call for some. “Jericho” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on CBS and can be found for free online on CBS.com’s Innertube and for purchase on iTunes. Related: ‘Jericho’ Spring Preview On Innertube'Jericho' Episodes Available For Free ‘Jericho’ Returns Feb. 21 Labels: cbs, cbs.com, innertube, itunes, jericho
Free TV On iTunes By Sherri
- (1) comments February 19, 2007
 Whoever said you can’t get something for nothing, hasn’t visited iTunes lately. The download site has a very interesting collection of free television shows for viewers to check out. The free offerings include such things as “Learn Along With Sesame” for the kiddies, a “Lost” survival guide, a catch up episode of “Jericho” before the premiere Wednesday night and even the pre-air premiere of “The Agency.” In addition, there’s even the pilot episode of “Friday Night Lights” available for perusal. While the idea is to hook viewers into buying other episodes, the free shows are a great way to catch up and see if a particular title is worth the price of admission. I have to admit, I’ve become very addicted to iTunes thanks to some of these promotions. The quality of the downloads is fantastic and the lack of commercials makes the shows perfect for quick viewing. Network streaming sites are a great way to catch up, but the commercials (however short) tend to get in the way a bit. Related: iTunes On Wii Possible With OrbiTunes GripeFox Reality Shows Free On iTunes 1stLabels: free tv, friday night lights, itunes, jericho, sesame street, the agency
‘Lost’ Rating Plunge Has Its Reasons By Sherri
- (0) comments February 16, 2007
 At least one TV analyst sees the nail already poking out of the coffin for ABC’s “Lost.” Marc Berman, an analyst for Media Week Online, has called the show the “tragedy of the season.” He’s also said ABC is responsible for mishandling the J.J. Abrams creation. “It’s too late to save it.” Berman’s quotes come on the heels of the lowest ratings for “Lost.” The Feb. 14 episode drew only 12.8 million viewers. The show, which now airs at 10 p.m. EST on Wednesdays, has been known to pull down more than 20 million. While Berman predicts only one more season for the show (and he could be right), widespread panic over the drop might be a little premature. It’s possible “Lost” might have taken a big hit due to Valentine’s Day. That particular espisode is the No. 1 ranked on iTunes TV for downloads this week. Perhaps “Lost” isn’t so lost after all. Maybe, just maybe, its fan base is switching the way it’s viewing? Related: 'Lost' Spoilers On YouTube‘Lost’ Golden Globe Spotlight'Lost' Season 3 In Full ForceLabels: abc, itunes, jj abrams, lost, online tv
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