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TV Guide, Spotting A Trend, Introduces 'Downloads' Column

Recognizing a powerful trend-- albeit one still in its early stages -- TV Guide this week has introduced a new column that identifies programs that can be downloaded to various digital devices for viewing later. Named “Downloads,” the column guides its readers to programming available  on broadcasters' Web sites, on video portals such as Google Video or AOL's In2TV, on Apple's iTunes Store, or on various mobile phone platforms.  "The digital age has sparked a time-shift/place-shift phenomenon in television program viewing choices," TV Guide's editor-in-chief, Ian Birch, said in a prepared statement. "Today, we all have the ability to watch many of our favorite programs on our video iPods, or our personal computers. Since television programs are increasingly available and delivered to viewers in many different ways, we wanted to take the lead in providing our readers the information they need to maximize their viewing experience, wherever that experience may take place."  A smart move by TV Guide, which has not historically been so quick to react to trends.

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