Apple makes deal with Showtime Networks

Apple made a deal with Showtime Networks to launch its premium cable content on iTunes:

"Sleeper Cell," "Weeds" and "Fat Actress" are the initial programs included in the deal, which was announced Tuesday by Apple Computer and the CBS Corp.-owned channel. Viewers will be able to choose any or all episodes from the first episode in each series.

There was no magic formula behind selecting those current and previous-season programs, Showtime Networks chairman Matthew Blank said. "We decided based on rights issues, a mix of programing types and things we thought people would be interested in," he said. "This is the grand experiment, really."

Each of these TV episodes costs $1.99 and can be viewed on computers or Apple's iPod video. More info over at Washington Post.