Apple's iTunes online store will begin selling downloads of television shows from the HBO cable network, including acclaimed crime dramas "The Sopranos" and "The Wire," the companies said on Tuesday. HBO shows such as "Sex and the City, "Flight of the Conchords" and "The Wire" can be downloaded at $1.99 per episode, while "The Sopranos," "Deadwood," and "Rome" are priced at a $2.99 per episode.

The move marks the first time Apple has agreed to sell television shows at different prices in the United States.

Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes, said the HBO shows now on offer at its Web store are some of the most frequently requested series by its customers.

The pay-cable network is owned by Time Warner.