NBC Direct download service relaunches, again

NBC Direct is back with a new version of its download video player, sure to please all those anxious for a 2D version of the post-Super Bowl Chuck episode, but probably less endearing to others. NBC's solution lets viewers download shows rather than stream (you can start watching before the download finishes) in standard or high definition, however even in its third iteration is still Windows only and DRM-laden. Hulu still doesn't have much in the way of HD so it's a better option there, but we'll have to wait and see how it stacks up to the competition from ABC, Fox and CBS.

[Via Download Squad & Newteevee]

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2009 9:17PM]

When will they ever learn?

Torrents it is!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2009 9:27PM]

As usual, Canadians can suck it. At what point did we become an Internet video Leper-colony?

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2009 9:36PM]

"Will my machine still peer even if the NBC Direct player is not open?
Yes. If you have chosen to receive High Quality Video, any content you have downloaded will be shared in the private P2P network even if the NBC Direct player is not open. "

No option to turn off sharing, no download for me. No reason for my PC to serve data all day.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2009 11:10PM]

Wow that really sucks, not like I don't mind kicking back a little to get some HD for free but since my cable internet gets capped after 200MB up to half the speed that would really suck for me. Also it should turn off after you upload like a certain amount (like half the video) because it's kind of crazy for us to foot NBCs bandwidth bill.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2009 9:40PM]

Screw them. After the stunt NBC has pulled off today with Hulu regarding Boxee and XBMC , they can kiss it.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 18th 2009 9:47PM]

It's a good job they use DRM to protect those streams that they broadcast in full 1080i60 unencrypted for free. Otherwise people might ste... oh, wait.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 19th 2009 9:00AM]

I'll stick to recording "The Office" and other NBC content via my PC and free OTA HDTV in 1080i and DD 5.1 completely unencrypted and without any DRM. Oh yeah, I'll also automatically have my PC strip out the commercials before I watch it.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 19th 2009 9:13AM]

Oh my god. Has anybody followed the link and watched the HD Sample they have? The quality is beyond horrendous.

There really needs to be some regulations on the use of the "HD" label.

[Jamus Posted Feb 19th 2009 10:54AM]

Hmm, first kill off Boxee access, then hype up their own "Direct Download" service. They just don't get it.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 19th 2009 2:14PM]

I installed NBC's program a few months ago and removed it soon after. It autoran and severely hogged my bandwidth for doing nothing. It always had problems downloading the videos. Essentially, it was worthless.

[HotBBQ Posted Feb 23rd 2009 9:48AM]

I'd give up HD content for the ability to watch any episode from any season, not just the five most recent.