The BBC has struck a new deal with UK online video service BlinkBox to allow popular TV shows, such as Top Gear, Gavin & Stacey, Spooks and Planet Earth, to be sold for download (unlimited viewing) via its website. However at a price of £1.89 per episode, would anybody really want it?

It is noted that some BBC TV shows, such as the old series of Doctor Who, will be offered for free alongside adverts. It's also understood that "newer" shows, the ones that cost customers money, will also only surface on BlinkBox 180 days after they are first aired.


Still, BlinkBox is a very interesting service and must be doing some business on its model to survive this far. However most of the best content is already available for far less via terrestrial TV subscriptions and as FremantleMedia's recent research showed, only 6% of people would be willing to pay £2 per show; £1 got up to 25% support, 50p got up to 38%, 20p got up to 43% and 10p received approval by 46% (original news).

It’s also possible to download or stream movies, for example the film ‘Body of Lies’ costs £2.97 to rent for 24 hours or £10.19 to download for unlimited viewing. By contrast you can buy the DVD off Play.com for a total price of £5.99. One day perhaps downloadable movies and TV content will keep place with comparative retail pricing or even subscription based broadcasters.