SAN FRANCISCO - At Apple’s "Let’s Rock" event on Tuesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced that NBC, after having left the iTunes store in August 2007, is returning to Apple and iTunes with TV shows in HD.

"Apple and NBC Universal today announced the return of NBC programming to the iTunes Store including NBC networks’ top 10 series available immediately for purchase and download in both standard definition and stunning high definition.

"iTunes customers can choose programming from NBC, USA Network, SCI FI Channel, Bravo, Sleuth and NBC News including favorites such as the award-winning and critically acclaimed ’Heroes,’ and the Emmy award-winning programs ’The Office,’ ’Battlestar Galactica’ and ’30 Rock.’ NBC Universal standard definition television shows on the iTunes Store are US$1.99 per episode and HD programs are available for just one dollar more at $2.99 per episode and select library content is available for $0.99. Additional NBCU programming from Oxygen, Telemundo, Mun2 and NBC Sports will be available on iTunes soon," Apple and NBC announced.

"We are thrilled that NBC is back on iTunes in time for the Fall TV season," Steve Jobs said. "NBC has some of TV’s most popular shows and now customers can purchase and download them from iTunes in SD or stunning HD."

Earlier in Mr. Jobs’ presentation, he mentioned that Apple now has 65 million iTunes accounts.