NBC Direct, a video download service that lets you view recent episodes of popular shows, is now live in beta mode.

We have seen the future, though, and it is not NBC Direct.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here’s a picture of NBC Direct:

Here are some of the limitations that cripple NBC Direct:

• You need to install a new application specifically to watch NBC shows.
• Downloads are DRM’d, so you’re limited to viewing them on a PC. No viewing the downloads on your iPod, iPhone, media center or other devices.
• The NBC Direct service uses a “fixed” and a “temporary” license arrangement. Under the terms of the “fixed” license agreement, all videos can be downloaded and viewed for seven (7) days from the date they are made available. However, within this timeframe, the user is required to renew a “temporary” license every 48 hours in order to continue viewing your selected content. Don’t know what that means? It means that DRM will be a pain in the @#$!
• NBC Direct is limited to Windows XP or Vista, with IE 6 or higher and Windows Media Player version 10 or higher.
• NBC Direct is based on Microsoft’s Windows Media Video format. NBC recommends buying and installing software to protect yourself from using Windows Media files.
• The service is limited to the US.

NBC needs to show some mercy and put NBC Direct out of its misery now.

Update: The net reaction to NBC Direct is consistently negative.