• by Wayne Friedman , September 29, 2006

NBC Universal and Intel have created a new higher-resolution online service, called "VIP Access," to raise the quality of online viewing.

Viewers can download a variety of programs free--including the entire fall season of two new shows, "Heroes" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"--if they have Intel's new Viiv-based PC or Centrino mobile technology-based laptops.

One of the major differences with Intel's Viiv technology is that it connects the PC to the TV. It lets consumers share and control their sports, games, music and movies.

Other shows on VIP access will include season premieres of "Friday Night Lights," "30 Rock," Sci-Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters" and "Battlestar Galactica" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Other programs include "The NBC News Special: Bono in Africa," a "Battlestar Galactica "special" and "Ghost Hunters: Best of Season One," Bravo's "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List" and "Work Out" webisodes. VIP will also offer programming from NBCSports.com.

NBC and Intel put together a similar online lineup earlier this year for the Winter Olympics.