NBC Universal will provide current TV shows from NBC, USA Network, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo and other content to SanDisk's Fanfare download-to-own Internet service.
Fanfare allows users of SanDisk's Sansa TakeTV video player to download TV shows and other premium video content from their PC for playback on their TV sets.
Under the terms of the deal, SanDisk will implement content-security measures to protect NBC Universal content, including partnering "to explore the implementation of watermarking and filtering technology solutions." A watermark is a unique identifier in content that allows a content owner to trace.
In addition, NBCU and SanDisk said they will collaborate on "new consumer content acquisition models," including flexible pricing and packaging. For example, NBCU said it will offer Fanfare users discounts for multiple episode purchases and entire seasons, as well as incentives to purchase a bundle of different TV shows.
NBCU content, to be available on Fanfare in January, will include The Office, Heroes and 30 Rock the day after they air on the network, as well as NBC News and NBC Sports specials. Cable fare will include USA's Monk, Sci Fi's Battlestar Galactica and Bravo's Top Chef.
