Gawker: valleywag, nbc direct

NBC Direct still doesn't work

Jackson West — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:40:00 EDT

Liz Gannes, a veteran online video reporter whom I've worked with and is no slouch when it comes to getting almost any newfangled content application to function, couldn't get NBC's relaunched video-on-demand software to work. The offering is powered by a file-sharing download process from Pando, but not much good if users can't even install the software. Isn't there a company that already has a delivery and payment system for 720p video content from the networks — one that NBC used to work with? Meanwhile, to get your 30 Rock fix online, Gannes says stick with Hulu. Just looking at the listed bugs on the download page would be enough to scare off anyone who's confused by file-sharing sites.

NBC will stream old TV shows on NBC.com,...

Nicholas Carlson — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:28:34 EST

NBC will stream old TV shows on NBC.com, just like already does through Hulu. And through NBC Direct. And on the box in your living room. [SAI]

In another "We don't need no stinking iTunes"...

Mary Jane Irwin — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:12:33 EST

In another "We don't need no stinking iTunes" ploy, the NBC Direct download service will offer high-definition videos. Feign surprise. It turns out NBC partnered with peer-to-peer tech company Pando so it could distribute hi-def on the cheap. [TechCrunch]

NBC launches ad-supported iTunes nonreplacement

Nicholas Carlson — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:45:26 EST

Because Apple CEO Steve Jobs wouldn't give NBC a piece of iPod sales, NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker announced plans to yank his network's content from Apple's iTunes store in August. Over the weekend, NBC launched an ad-supported download site, NBC Direct. The word so far? So far, so dreadful. But at least they're trying.

The problem? NBC Direct requires users download a player, sign up for a season pass, and then download the content. When there's a TV in your living room and Hulu on your PC, that's a lot of waiting around to watch an episode which still contains all the TV commercials. (Photo by sdk)