Major shows available 24 hours after broadcast for free but with embedded ads

Walt Disney's ABC Television is to post some of its most popular shows online just 24 hours after they are shown on US television.

A two-month trial starting in May will see big-name shows such as Lost, Desperate Housewives and Commander in Chief made available on the internet.

Users can currently download episodes 24 hours after they are shown for a small charge using Apple's iTunes service.

Disney plans to fund the free trial using advertising, and has already accepted offers from Universal Pictures, AT&T, Ford and Procter & Gamble.

Part of the advertising deal means that users will be able to pause, fast forward or rewind any part of an episode except the ads.

However, it is unlikely that the service will be available to internet users outside the US. TV shows sold through iTunes are only available to users in America.