Yeah, Australia is actually where the friend of mine I mentioned is at. It's good to hear some of the times are improving, maybe the companies are finally catching on that the delays just drive people to download...

I think traditionally, the delays are due to contracts with local providers. So for example, a local Australian television station might negotiate for the rights to say, the tv show House, but they get a cheaper rate by waiting 6 months or more likely, Fox doesn't even give them the option of showing it sooner...