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More downloads offered for 2008.

Channels Nine and TEN will be offering more full-episode television programmes for download next year, as networks ramp up their online offerings.

Both networks expect to offer free downloads supplemented by advertising.

Seven’s position on full-length episodes remains unclear.

Nine has so far offered a largely fee-based service for McLeod’s Daughters, Sea Patrol, CSI and Madmen (pictured). But its free, online premiere of Sea Patrol triggered four times the downloads than its pay service of around $2 an episode.

TEN has so far had Supernatural and Thank God You’re Here on offer. “The reality is the mass audience is still with the broadcast channel. Then you’ve got the passionate 20 [per cent] who clearly want more and that’s where online and mobile steps in,” TEN’s general manager of digital media, Damian Smith told the Australian.

Nine’s Jane O’Connell agreed. “The only thing holding us back is broadband speeds. Audiences would love it.”

US networks continue to see a ferocious appetite for downloaded television programmes with a variety of online platforms. ABC.com has had 140 million views since it replaced its paid online service for a broadband video player.

Source: The Australian.

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