TV to make its debut on iTunes Canada this week
TV shows on iTunes have proven to be rather popular, even with little foibles like losing NBC and all of its shows. So far, only the US and UK have been able to purchase individual (or seasons of) shows through the iTunes Store, but we’ve heard rumblings for quite some time that licensing deals were being worked out for other countries. One such country is our neighbor in the great white north.
But anxious Canadians won’t have to wait much longer. As 2007 winds to a close, Apple plans to give an early Christmas gift to our Canadian friends in the form of (a few) TV shows being added to the iTunes Store. The company plans to begin adding shows quietly to the store as early as tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon or evening, with an official launch expected for Wednesday if things go smoothly, our sources tell us. Of course, with all things iTunes (and Apple), these exact days can easily get pushed, but the shows are expected to make their debut at most within the next couple of weeks.
Upon launch, the Canadian iTunes Store won’t carry a ton of content, but it’ll certainly get the ball rolling. Users will begin to see shows from CBC, CTV, and a handful of shows from US networks. Oh, and for you hardcore Canadians out there, we hear that you can look forward to spying some NHL games through the iTunes Store too.
I am sure Microsoft will follow soon with a similar announcement for XBOX Live Video Marketplace.
Update:
Guess what, Microsoft apparently took the lead quicker than I thought: http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/
This might in fact be why Apple is turning iTunes TV in for all those country. I mean… Apple surely does not want Microsoft to take a clear lead.
Now, if Joost could start to open up more content restricted to the US to the rest of the world! Guess what… apparently it can be done. Joost, are you listening?