Redmond, WA (AHN) - Microsoft said Tuesday it will begin selling NBC television shows through it Zune marketplace, putting it again in direct competition with Apple.

The shows, which include hits from Comedy Central, SciFi Channel and VH1, will cost $1.99 in Microsoft "points" for Zune users.

In 2007, NBC left iTunes after a dispute with Apple about pricing.

Microsoft's push into downloadable TV shows is being made two years after Apple launched a similar service using its iPod device and the iTunes store.