Amazon Counters AppleTV With 99-Cent TV Programs

2 Sep, 2010 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Amazon.com moved quickly to counter the re-launch of AppleTV by offering identical episodic television programming rental downloads from ABC TV and Fox Filmed Entertainment for 99 cents.

Specifically, Amazon VOD is offering first season episodes in both standard definition and high definition of Fox’s popular “Glee” program, in addition to episodes from the last season of “Lost” on ABC.

During the Sept. 1 launch of AppleTV, CEO Steve Jobs downplayed the dearth of wider content availability, saying the other studios would “likely” be joining Apple in the near future.

Other Fox/ABC programming available on Amazon VOD for 99 cents per episode, includes Doctor Who: Season 5, Bones: Season 5, Castle: Season 1, Grey’s Anatomy: Season 6, Dollhouse: Season 2, Futurama: Season 7 and Lie to Me: Season 2.

Amazon, which reportedly is eyeing the launch of subscription streaming service similar to Netflix this fall, Sept. 14 offers Glee: The Complete First Season on DVD for $35.49 ($59.98 SRP); $41.99 ($69.99 SRP) on Blu-ray Disc.

Amazon is also selling Glee: Season One, Vol. 2 - Road to Regionals on DVD for $25.99 ($39.98 SRP) and Glee: Season One, Vol. 1 - Road to Sectionals (2009) for $28.99 ($39.98 SRP).

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