Apple to Test Dollar TV Show Downloads

As Apple prepares for the official launch of the iPad, the company is pushing television networks to lower the price of TV episodes. People familiar with the talks tell the Financial Times that the Apple soon hopes to sell standard-definition TV shows for $1 each–half the price it currently charges for them on iTunes.

The new pricing structure is being described as a test to determine whether a lower price point will increase sales. According to the FT, at least a few networks have agreed to a lower download price for their content, though it’s not clear which ones those are.

Meanwhile, Apple (AAPL) continues to work on ginning up interest in the monthly iTunes subscription TV service MediaMemo first reported last November–though without much success. People familiar with the offering say network talks appear to have stalled, at least for the time being.