MUMBAI: Microsoft Corp. has launched a $19.95-a-year service that lets people download certain TV shows to portable devices such as media players and advanced cell phones.
 

With the new service, MSN Video Downloads, customers will have access to more content. This will include sports and show highlights from Fox Sports, news and business headlines from MSNBC.com and children's programming from Cookie Jar Entertainment. The company has already started offering free short clips of some shows on Windows-based portable devices.

Users have to log onto a Web site using a traditional laptop or desktop computer. They can download the shows and transfer them to portables.
 
 

"Today's announcement solidifies the continued momentum we've seen for portable video. With content from some of the most recognized brands in entertainment, MSN Video Downloads (allows) people to take their favorite television shows with them whether they are", said Microsoft's director of Windows Mobile Applications John Pollard.