NBC have announced that they will be launching a new TV catchup service called “NBC Direct” which will enable users to download and view some of the network’s more popular shows — free of charge — for up to one week after broadcast (after which downloads will expire, similar to catchup services offered by the main UK television networks).

“NBC Direct” will begin by offering episodes of “Heroes,” “The Office,” “Life,” “Bionic Woman,” “30 Rock,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Users will be given the option to subscribe to a show, so that the latest episode is automatically downloaded.

The U.S.-only service is planned to roll out as a Beta in October and will require a PC running Windows, with future versions adding support for Macs and various portable devices. Other features in the pipeline include p2p-based distribution and  purchase-to-own and rental options which will offer higher quality downloads.

As NewTeeVee notes, where does “NBC Direct” leave Hulu, NBC and News Corp.’s joint Internet TV venture?

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