HBO shows are soon going to be available on an iPhone near you. Though the pricing for downloading the shows is likely to vary but could start at $1.99 per episode. The details of the collaboration have yet to be ironed out as the pricing structure has been a bit of a sticky area in the past , as with NBC as music and broadcasting execs want Apple to offer a variable pricing structure which may confuse subscribers.

HBO plans to allow program downloads for iPhones of their hit series' like 'Sex in the City' and 'The Sopranos'. The plan is to offer archived programs, or shows that have also been released on DVD.

This must send a bit of a shiver down the spines of executives at the alphabet channels as ratings continue to fall. Advertisers too, will see it as potential revenue lost as viewers bypass advertisers and the big TV networks. My feeling is that just as cable television initially promised 'advertising free' viewing I am sure this iPhone download 'model' will soon change too.

I am hoping such collaborations, allowing consumers direct download access will force the cable companies to offer more pay-as-you-watch models for program delivery at home. I really dislike having to buy packages of channels of rubbish, just to watch the ones I really want to view, perhaps the pay as you download model will force the cable and satellite companies to offer more customized channel options for those of us that are a bit more picky.