More T.V. shows with quicker release, please

I agree C.K., immediacy is absolutely key here. Apple really screwed up by not negotiating harder over the time lag. Last night I missed the ending of lost because my damn Tivo went over to another show. I was crest fallen. I would have easily paid that two bucks (shoot even 5 bucks) to see the ending right then, but I was denied. So, you might ask, am I going to pick it up today at Apple? Nope. Unlike Apple, bittorrent already has it available to download and its FREE. I think I'll take bittorrent. With this near 24 hour time shift Apple (more ABC though probably) has basically given Bittorrent a leg up. Not such a good thing really. I doubt apple realy cares though. They don't make jack off of the itunes store anyway.

Please note that Apple cannot legally offer the shows for download any earlier. Their contracts with the networks prevent them making the show available until after all the shows and, this is the important part, their ad breaks, have been played. A 24-hour window has been specified to ensure that the network's contracts with their advertisers is not infringed. This will be renegotiated only when Apple begins making them more money than all their advertising outlets. As soon as all Americans trade in their TVs for viPods, this might happen. And everybody who's complaining about the evil Americans who are depriving the rest of the world of their TV, this is also due to a contractual obligation. Shows like Lost and Housewives have already sold international broadcast rights of varying exclusivity to the major non-American networks. Go yell at them for not giving Apple all the download rights for their respective countries.

I agree... I would've bought today, but having said that, I'll still buy it at 2PM PST. [big rant about having better things to do snipped]

I watched "Collision" last night after buying every episode of Lost on iTMS. I was hoping after I was done with "Collision" (11:30 p.m. today) that last night's broadcast episode would be ready to watch on iTMS... but no. I'm not sure I want to invest money in a DVR if it's just to watch Lost. I don't watch a lot of other TV. I would like to be able to watch it before coming into work, then I can read blogs, etc, about the latest episode. So I agree. Once the episode has aired, please make it downloadable. If I watch it via DVR, I'll skip the commercials anyway. At least this way ABC gets a little cash from my download. :) P.S. I'll never just watch it when it airs. My life is too busy to make an appointment every week for one TV show.

Oh come on. Are you really going to blame Apple for this?? Do you blame a car dealership because the factory hasn't finished building a car? Apple can only distribute when ABC releases it. And they can only distribute what ABC want distributed. Do you really think that Apple started this venture to only show the few shows that they currently have? Some things take time, especially when you are fighting with huge companies who don't want to give up control of their content or potential profit. Cut Apple some slack. They are probably feeling the same frustrations you are about all of this.

AH: But doesn't having a VCR just a little bit nostalgic? I watched something on a VCR at my parents' house on their 50" HIDEF TV and it looked SO CRAPPY! Still... they're good for recording stuff if you don't want to keep the program. Watch it and record over it. Plus, I don't have a DVR... I don't want ANOTHER monthly subscription fee and can't afford to build a free one like MythTV. Simply: a VCR is still a viable option for those with a limited budget that can't catch some of their favorite shows.

on some torrent sites they have the shows seeded an hour after the show finishes airing on tv. i wouldn't mind paying these guys for a high quality, high def, wide screen, drm free product.... none of which your get from apple

Isn't it is sad pathetic world when you have to cater to coporation by telling them that they'll make more money when what really is the issue is better service?

Good point Jacob. I can't be a tech based blog has some many readers suggesting not only using a VCR, but buying one as well! Under $30? I wouldn't take one for free. That's like me buying a tape deck because Walmart is selling them for a dollar? Why bother? Get a DVR. But, typical of most tech based websites, commenters are more interested in offering alternatives than addressing the crux of C.K.'s assertion. For Apple's video store to become very succesful there are changes that need to be made, both in terms of available programming and a firm SLA as to when shows will be made available for DL. Dependable and available makes for better business.

Don't you people use DVRs? I DLed from iTunes a little over a season of Lost and loved it, but now that I'm caught up, I'd rather watch the episodes on my TV. Using DVRs are a breeze and make a lot more sense than paying $1.99 per episode.