Looks like the Apple/ABC move to offer programs for downloading has spread - CBS and NBC are now offering 99 cent downloads of shows shortly after airtime. That price undercuts the iTunes price of $1.99:

NEW YORK (AP) - CBS and NBC have announced deals to offer replays of prime-time programs for 99 cents per episode, shifting television toward a sales model that gained popularity with downloaded music.

CBS is teaming up with Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) and NBC with satellite operator DirecTV to offer the on-demand replays.

NBC Universal will offer commercial-free episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" and other shows to subscribers of DirecTV Group Inc. who use the satellite company's new digital video recorder.

Comcast's on-demand customers in some markets will be able to view "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,""NCIS,""Survivor" and "The Amazing Race" at their convenience.

I think we're getting closer and closer to what I'd really like to see - the ability to subscribe directly to specific content - not to (all of) HBO so I can watch shows the "The Sopranos" - I mean a subscription to a specific show. Over time, this move is going to threaten the large cable operators like HBO and Showtime, and it's interesting that the older networks have gotten out in front of it first.