Software and hardware giant Apple is on the verge of closing a deal with Time Warner that would allow Apple to distribute programming from popular station HBO through iTunes. With a 3G iPhone on the horizon, and a fleet of video-enabled iPods in the hands and pockets of millions worldwide, this new move could put even more distance between Apple and other media distribution contenders, as well as guarantee sales of the newest model of iPhone.

According to Portfolio, Time Warner can almost taste the distribution deal it is now negotiating with Apple for HBO programming. Though some might say that securing HBO programming is just like landing titles from channels like ABC or NBC, those people have obviously never seen the caliber of the programming on HBO.

Here’s a machine-gun blast of some HBO exclusive series: Entourage, Flight of the Concords, The Sopranos, Big Love, The Wire, Deadwood, and Six Feet Under. If you haven’t heard of or seen any of those shows, you’re missing out on some of the best programming any station offers. Then there’s titles like Oz, Sex in the City, Da Ali G Show, and Rome — all titles that any self-respecting fan of quality programming should have at the very least caught wind of.

I say all that to make this point: HBO is the center of many programs that either get syndicated by larger broadcast networks, or go on to be cult classics. If you’re looking for the best in television, HBO has it.

Then there is that small group known as Apple that dabbles in hardware and software sales, as well as media distribution. By teaming the top-notch content of HBO with one of the most popular media players and distribution platforms of Apple’s iTunes, doubtless HBO and Apple will reap huge profits from the agreement.

Then there is the similarly insignificant matter of the forthcoming 3G iPhone. Rumor has it that AT&T has already started distributing various papers and things that document a black iPhone. That iPhone is more than likely going to be equipped with 3G technology, and many believe that Steve Jobs will showcase the new iPhone at a keynote address in early June.

It would seem that Apple and Times Warner would both benefit from reaching an agreement prior to that keynote, because consumers will be chomping at the bit to get high-quality tv shows direct to their new iPhones through the 3G network technology. In fact, the distribution agreement could very well cause current iPhone owners to adopt the newer technology, for both the new programming available as well as the other obvious benefits of having a smartphone capable of transferring data over 3G.

Expect the beginning of the summer to be more than a little exciting; a new 3G iPhone and HBO titles on iTunes are certainly promises that should give you something to look forward to.

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Entry was posted on Monday, May 12th, 2008 at 7:11 pm under Apple.

Read more entries by Triston McIntyre.
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