NBC has launched its anticipated video download service, and I'm a bit underwhelmed. Oh, don't get me wrong, the videos look great, and they're about $1.99 cheaper than any TV shows you're going to download from Amazon or iTunes (in other words, they're free, but come with commercials). But the video download experience leaves a bit to be desired.

You can download the NBC Direct video player from NBC's website. Because the videos use Microsoft DRM, the player will only work on Windows. And as far as I can tell, there's no way to transfer the videos to a portable device.

TV shows will be available for 7 days after their air date, and once you start watching you have 48 hours before your video self destructs. There is a button you can press to get another 48 hours if you need it. Meanwhile, Hulu, the online video site that NBC and News Corp recently launched allows you to watch the last 5 or so episodes of most TV shows that are currently on the air.

Hulu also has a much larger selection than NBC Direct. Right now, the only shows you can download are The Office, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Bionic Woman, and Life.

[via Mashable]

If you were getting stressed out over NBC's multi-pronged approach toward internet video, the network's latest move should alleviate your anxiety a little. As NBC prepares to launch a video download application and co-launch the Hulu video web site with News Corp, the network has apparently eliminated its YouTube channel.

NBC has been responsible for several huge YouTube hits, including clips from Saturday Night Live including Lazy Sunday and **ck in a box. The former video was uploaded by users, while NBC actually rode the wave of viral marketing by submitting the latter of its own volition.