tv shows

MobileMe rumors grow: Could half of iPad 2's appeal be in the cloud?

While everyone has been wondering what exactly the new and probably imminently announced iPad 2 will look like and be made of, rumors continue to grow about a MobileMe update allowing streaming media to iOS devices.

The latest rumor from Cult of Mac, via MacRumors.com, claims that an Apple staff member has said a MobileMe update announced tomorrow will indeed allow music, TV shows, and even movies purchased via iTunes to be streamed over the cloud. CNET's reported on this likelihood before, and we'll see if it finally comes to fruition on Wednesday.

A music-streaming cloud service … Read more

PBS for iPhone streams public-TV shows for free

Last October, PBS took the wraps off an eponymous iPad app, allowing tablet users to stream full episodes of public-television favorites like "American Masters," "Nova," and "MotorWeek." iPhone and iPod users were promised their own version in November, but it never materialized.

Thankfully, PBS for iPhone is finally here. It's missing a few key elements, but it's still a great way to watch great shows on the go--free of charge.

The app is divided into four sections: Previews, Spotlight, Schedules, and Programs. Most of these are self-explanatory; as with the iPad version, the Schedules section provides you with a calendar of current and upcoming programming from your local PBS station.

However, unlike the iPad version, this one lacks both search and bookmark features, which is puzzling.… Read more

Value of a prime TV episode to Netflix: $100,000?

Netflix is willing to pay big bucks to offer current prime-time TV shows to subscribers of its streaming service, according to a published report.

The Web's top video rental service is offering to pay as much as $100,000 per episode for in-season TV shows, the New York Post reported today. In recent weeks, Netflix has signaled that it will wants to build out the company's library of streaming TV shows.

In the race to deliver movies and TV shows over the Internet, Netflix is far out in front. But the company's burgeoning streaming-video service could stumble, … Read more

PBS for iPad streams prime-time shows for free

Hey, PBS! How do you expect to make any money if you give away your app?

I'm kidding, of course. I love free stuff, especially when it's awesome free stuff like PBS for iPad. The new app streams full-length episodes of shows like "Antiques Roadshow," "Carrier," "NOVA," and the much-ballyhooed new "Sherlock Holmes."

It also serves up "PBS NewsHour," "Austin City Limits" performances, and previews of nearly everything else in PBS' prime-time lineup. (Alas, previews are all you get of PBS Kids. If you want full-length episodes of, say, "Sesame Street" and "WordGirl," you'll have to pony up for them in the iTunes Store.) … Read more

Apple, Apple, Apple!

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded: Apple's music event to stream live Television show rentals from Apple Netflix on Apple TV New webOS 2.0 for HP's Palm Microsoft set to release updated Xbox 360 controller Sneak peek at the T-Mobile G2 phone

Watch streaming Netflix videos on your iPhone

Yo, Netflix! When are you going to give us an iPhone version of your awesome iPad app? You said it was coming "this summer." According to my calendar, August is just about half over.

Since I'm an impatient pup, I decided to follow Lifehacker's instructions for watching streaming Netflix videos on an iPhone. It took some doing, but it works--and I'm just a wee bit giddy with excitement.

First caveat: This hack requires you to have a jailbroken iPhone. The Netflix app is, arguably, the best justification yet to stage a jailbreak of your iPhone--though … Read more

How TV shows get on the air

We are now in the thick of development season in the TV business.

The process of getting a show on the air resembles a pyramid: it starts with our programming executives meeting with writers, producers, and agents to listen to pitches of new show concepts.

Television is a business of ideas, which makes new show development a thrilling experience; you never know where the next great project will come from, or the indelible mark that a resulting TV series could have on our culture.

Past performance, buzz, and the general zeitgeist all play a role in grabbing early attention. And … Read more

Netflix app coming to iPhone, iPod Touch

CNET's Dan Ackerman called Netflix for iPad "one of the best reasons we can think of to sign on to Apple's new device." And I believe him.

That's why I've been battling the green-eyed monster since iPad launch day. The surprising news of streaming Netflix movies and TV shows was almost enough to get me to stand in line and spend $500 I wasn't planning to spend. Almost.

But surely, I thought, surely Netflix will share the app love with us lowly iPhone and iPod Touch users? Please, please, please, please?

Thank you! Turns out, Netflix does indeed plan to offer an iPhone/Touch version of the app. Here's the word from The Official Netflix Blog:

Steve Swasey, VP of corporate communications, here. Terrific response to our news today about Netflix on the iPad. For those of you asking whether Netflix will be on the iPhone and iPod Touch: We wouldn't invite you to dinner without planning to serve dessert. In other words, we're working on it so stay tuned.

Happy dance!… Read more

Poll: Are 99-cent TV shows a good idea?

Confession time: In the nearly five years since iTunes began selling TV shows, I've purchased exactly zero. Why? Because I think Apple's $1.99-per-episode price tag is too high.

Apple seems to think so, too, which is why the company is reportedly looking to drop show prices to 99 cents. Unfortunately, the networks aren't too keen on the idea, as indicated in last Sunday's New York Times story: "Networks Wary of Apple's Push to Cut Show Prices."

I'm not sure why Hollywood's number-crunchers fail to grasp basic economics, but I think … Read more