NBC shows will soon be available online

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- A free service will allow users to download and view some of NBC's most popular U.S. programs on desktop computers for up to one week after broadcast.

The network said the first version of NBC Direct will begin testing in October.

The goal is to allow users to download full-length episodes for viewing on Windows-based PCs.

The first programs viewers will be able to download will be "Heroes," "The Office," "Life," "Bionic Woman," "30 Rock," "Friday Night Lights," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

"With the creation of this new service, we are acknowledging that now, more than ever, viewers want to be in control of how, when and where they consume their favorite entertainment," Vivi Zigler, executive vice president, NBC Digital Entertainment, said in statement.

"Not only does this feature give them more control but it also gives them a higher quality video experience (than traditional streaming video.)"