iTunes Music Store Now Offers More Than 50 TV Shows; Video Downloads Top 12 Million
CBS Corporation’s Showtime Networks and Apple today announced that premium cable programming from SHOWTIME, including recent Golden Globe nominees “Sleeper Cell” and “Weeds,” is now available on the iTunes Music Store. With the addition of SHOWTIME hit programming, iTunes now offers more than 50 popular TV shows available for just $1.99 per episode for viewing on a computer or iPod. The iTunes Music Store is the world’s most popular video download store with more than 12 million videos purchased and downloaded.
“iTunes allows fans of these hit Showtime programs to purchase and watch them in an innovative way,” said Matthew C. Blank, chairman of Showtime Networks. “It is also a tremendous opportunity for non-subscribers to sample Showtime’s programming.”
“We’re thrilled to expand the iTunes video catalog with premium content programming from Showtime,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “With over 12 million videos sold, iTunes provides the best way for consumers to discover, purchase and download video online.”
SHOWTIME programming on the iTunes Music Store covers a variety of current and previous-season content. Programs include the first full season of the critically acclaimed Golden Globe nominee, “Sleeper Cell,” the complete first season of the groundbreaking “Weeds,” starring Golden Globe award-winning actress Mary Louise Parker; and the complete first season of “Fat Actress,” starring Kirstie Alley.
With Apple’s legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated video and Podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and videos online. The iTunes Music Store features a selection of over 3,000 music videos, Pixar and Disney short films, a variety of hit TV shows, and more than two million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent labels.
Pricing & Availability
iTunes 6 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Music Store and is available as a free download from www.apple.com/itunes/. Purchase and download of songs and videos from the iTunes Music Store requires a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. Television shows are available in the US only, and video availability varies by country. Television shows are $1.99 (US) per episode, and music videos and short films are $1.99 (US) each.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME TOO, SHOWTIME SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME, SHOWTIME BEYOND, SHOWTIME NEXT, SHOWTIME WOMEN, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.
