Liz Gannes, a veteran online video reporter whom I've worked with and is no slouch when it comes to getting almost any newfangled content application to function, couldn't get NBC's relaunched video-on-demand software to work. The offering is powered by a file-sharing download process from Pando, but not much good if users can't even install the software. Isn't there a company that already has a delivery and payment system for 720p video content from the networks — one that NBC used to work with? Meanwhile, to get your 30 Rock fix online, Gannes says stick with Hulu. Just looking at the listed bugs on the download page would be enough to scare off anyone who's confused by file-sharing sites.

NBC will stream old TV shows on NBC.com, just like already does through Hulu. And through NBC Direct. And on the box in your living room. [SAI]

In another "We don't need no stinking iTunes" ploy, the NBC Direct download service will offer high-definition videos. Feign surprise. It turns out NBC partnered with peer-to-peer tech company Pando so it could distribute hi-def on the cheap. [TechCrunch]

Because Apple CEO Steve Jobs wouldn't give NBC a piece of iPod sales, NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker announced plans to yank his network's content from Apple's iTunes store in August. Over the weekend, NBC launched an ad-supported download site, NBC Direct. The word so far? So far, so dreadful. But at least they're trying.