TV downloads beam onto iTunes UK

UK iTunes users will finally be able to buy top TV shows like Lost and Ugly Betty as Apple launches its download service here months after the US debut.

The company has revealed that UK consumers can now download 28, mainly US TV shows at a cost of £1.89 per episode.

Apple has inked deals with ABC Studios, Disney Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy and shows like Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and MTV’s Barrio 19 are now available for download. The shows can be viewed on a PC or Mac, fifth-generation iPod, or on a widescreen TV with Apple TV.

“We’re thrilled to bring TV programming to the iTunes Store in the UK," said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We’ve got 28 shows and expect to continue to add more great programming.”

According to Apple the TV shows from the iTunes Store are downloaded in “near-DVD quality” at a resolution of 640x480 pixels.