SyncTV, a new on-demand Internet video service based on open standards, has launched in beta mode.

SyncTV offers TV shows on an unlimited download basis in DVD quality or better. The service lets you download whole seasons of TV shows and watch them when you want.

Based on open-standards, the SyncTV service works on Windows PCs, Macs and Linux PCs, and in the future it will also work on TVs and portable players.Once you have subscribed to a channel on SyncTV, you can download as many current and classic TV shows from that channel as you want, with many of the TV shows including every episode of every season.

Subscription fees range from $2 to $4 per month per channel. Shows will also be offered for sale at $2 per episode. The service is also advertising supported.

“We wanted to free up TV from the folks who make it difficult to innovate,” said SyncTV President John Gildred.

You can hear an audio introduction to SyncTV featuring Gildred below.

Features:

• Flexible playback. SyncTV will work on Windows PCs, Macs and Linux PCs. Later on, as compatible devices come to market you may see portable players and even TVs supporting the service.
• Unlimited downloads of TV shows. For a monthly subscription, you can download whole seasons of TV shows and watch them whenever you want.
• Based on open-standards
• High-quality playback. SyncTV promises DVD-quality or better. Where possible, it will offer HD programming and 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus sound.

“We think this is a strong starting point and it’s only going to get bigger and better from here, with more big-name channels and networks joining the service before too long, plus more supported devices as time goes by,” said Gildred.

Update: It looks like others are picking up on this as the buzz of Kindle wears off a bit.