Fox to Sell Shows Itself

Not content with offering its shows through the iTunes Music Store, Fox has taken the extra step of releasing TV programs such as 24 and Prison Break, as well as feature-length films like X-Men 3, through the Direct2Drive service run by its IGN affiliate. This may well be an attempt to subvert Apple's likely push for full-length movie downloads through iTunes, as the company may feel that iTunes' dominance could be a limiting factor for video sales. Official details of the launch, however, suggest that Fox copy-protection may be much more restrictive than Apple's service: the Fox service only works with Windows computers and limits purchased video to two computers and one portable player. Apple allows TV shows bought through iTunes to be used on as many as five computers and an unlimited number of iPods. Pricing for movies may also be prohibitive at $20, which is similar to a physical DVD. There is also no word on whether or not Fox will mirror Apple's season discounts. How buyers react will be determined when the Fox service is ready in October.

By Electronista Staff