PBS today announced the launch of downloadable PBS television shows on Google Video, making it possible for users to download and own a selection of PBS primetime and children’s programming for the first time ever.

Prices range from $1.99 for an episode of Arthur to the relatively steep $7.99 for an episode of Nova.

Sony PlayStation Portables are getting video podcast support with the latest update to the PSP’s firmware.The update takes the PSP firmware to version 2.8. It allows the PSP to receive video clips through RSS (really simple syndication) feeds from blogs and other websites. Sony added PSP podcast support using streaming in November 2005 and added support for PSP podcast downloads in April.

Marketwatch’s Frank Barnako is bullish on podcasting, saying that “The most popular podcasts could be making their producers more than $1 million a year.”

Barnako is highlighting research from Nielsen Analytics, released last week, that focuses on the Economics of Podcasting. In the past, Nielsen’s research has been subject to ridicule by some podcasters because Nielsen seems to confuse podcast listeners with podcasters. Their research is nevertheless helping to define the current understanding of podcasting.

Barnako notes that the most popular podcasts, with downloads pushing 2 million downloads per month, could generate 6-digit advertising revenues. Barnako’s blog features a discussion (MP3) with Nielsen Analytics’ Larry Gerbrandt.

Alexa traffic reports suggest that Rocketboom could be better off without Amanda Congdon, or at least that the controversy over Congdon leaving gave the show a kick in the seat:

Wondering what host Amanda Congdon is doing, now that the Rocketboom controversy has died down?

A new vlog post at AmandaUnboomed documents Congdon’s attempts to become gainfully employed, post-Rocketboom:

PodShow, a podcasting network founded by Adam Curry which has proven to be no stranger to controversy, is being accused of hijacking Rocketboom’s copyrighted video content.

Here’s what has Rocketboom concerned:

Podshow appears to be displaying Rocketboom’s content in violation of Rocketboom’s license agreement:

“Podshow is self-agrandizing by hotlinking Rocketboom into their player,” according to Rocketboom, “showcasing our video with their ads, giving the false impression that Rocketboom is part of the Podshow network and providing no link back to the Rocketboom site.”

At the NAMM Summer Session, a convention for music retailers held July 14-16th in Austin, Texas, iPlayMusic was showing a guitar tutorial video system.The system features Mac software that lets you play videos and read tutorial information on playing guitar. A unique feature, though is that you can export the videos to iTunes and sync them to video iPods. This makes the tutorials as portable as a video iPod.

iTrain offers downloadable audio workout programs from professional trainers. A variety of workout plans are available, including iTrain, iClimb, iTread, iCycle and iStrength.

Pricing ranges from $.99 per session to $49.99 for a year’s worth of downloads.

The San Diego Chargers have introduced a podcast, the Official San Diego Chargers Podcast.The first installment (MP3) covers contract terms with six draft picks and a press conference with Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer as he talks Training Camp.

Metallica, one of the most visible holdouts in the world of digital music, is now in the iTunes Music Store.