NBC Universal (NYSE: GE) will begin beta testing free direct downloads of NBC’s prime-time and late-night programming next month. NBC Direct will allow users to download some of the network’s prime-time and late-night programming to PCs for viewing up to one week after broadcast. October is also the target date for the private beta of Hulu, the online video JV from NBCU and News Corp. (NYSE: NWS)

To start, NBC Direct is only for Windows PCs. The shows will expire one week after the download. Eventually, users will be able to freely subscribe to pre-selected NBC programs, which will be sent to their computer right after the first broadcast airing. The player will include filtering technology, which NBCU says “should prevent it from playing any stolen copyrighted material.” Other enhancements over the next few months include compatibility with Macs, hi-res delivery via peer-to-peer, and the ability to download to portable devices. Business plans for 2008 include download-to-own, rental and subscription.

The initial programming for the beta includes Heroes, The Office, Life, Bionic Woman, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

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