How much would you pay for one tv show episode ?

NBC recently tried to raise the price that users had to pay for one tv show episode from $1.99 to $4.99 which was rejected by Apple. NBC then decided to stop offering shows on iTunes and accusations were ping-ponged between both parties.

When I heard the figure $4.99 for the first time I was wondering who came up with it. Who at NBC thought that people would actually buy one episode of a tv show for that amount of money ? If you would buy all episodes of a show which usually has about 12-20 in each season you would pay about $60 - $100 for a season which is way more than buying the season on DVD which offers much more value for a lesser price.

The only advantage of the online purchase is the ability to download the episode earlier which is not a huge advantage if you ask me considering the fact that you can watch it on television as well. (tape it there for instance)

I strongly support that every content owner may assign the prices that he likes for his products. Heck, they could raise that amount to $100 if they want. I would not care because I do not buy music or videos online. I don't like DRM, I don't like the fact that I have to burn them - if possible - to be able to view them on my television.

I would say that a price of about $10 for a complete season would be nice. That is my price of course and others might disagree. this amount would be my personal maximum for a full season of a tv show - if I would buy them online, that is.

Back to NBC and Apple. It remains to be seen what will happen in the future. My guess is that they will come to an agreement in the end because both probably need each other.

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