HBO close to an iTunes deal

In a few weeks you might be able to download your favorite HBO series from iTunes. Apple is in talks with the cable network to sell HBO movies and programs on the iTunes Store website. Different rumors are circulating about the deal, but it appears that HBO stands to profit more than other networks have from their iTunes arrangements.

One possible aspect of the deal is "flexible pricing" for HBO content. Single episodes could cost more than the standard $1.99. It's also possible that that price will remain the same, but that HBO will get a larger percentage of the per-episode profits.

This deal could have major implications for future iTunes pricing. Apple wasn't willing to alter its prices for NBC, but this new agreement is a sign that the company is now willing to consider price increases on an individual basis. Can we expect to pay more for certain movies and songs in the future?

The HBO-Apple deal would be great for people who don't subscribe to HBO. It could also expand the viewership of current HBO series like Flight of the Conchords. The agreement's impact on pricing is a major concern, though. We'll have to wait and see how reliable these rumors are. HBO's presence on iTunes will likely be confirmed and launched on the same day, possibly in the next two weeks.