Apple premieres iTunes Movie Rentals
As expected, Apple on Tuesday announced iTunes Movie Rentals featuring movies from all the major movie studios including 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Lionsgate and New Line Cinema.
Starting today, iTunes users can rent movies for as low as $2.99 and watch them on their Macs or PCs, all current generation iPods, iPhone and Apple TV.
Apple said it plans to offer over 1,000 titles by the end of February, including over 100 titles in high definition video with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound which users can rent directly from their widescreen TV using Apple TV. iTunes Movie Rentals are priced at $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases, and high definition versions are just one dollar more with library titles at $3.99 and new releases at $4.99.
"iTunes Movie Rentals instantly brings great movies from all the major studios directly to your iPod, iPhone, TV or computer -- without having to drive to the video store or wait for DVDs to arrive in the mail," said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. "Movie lovers can now discover and enjoy movies as simply and easily as music lovers discover and enjoy music today on iTunes."
Once a movie is rented, it starts downloading from the iTunes Store directly to iTunes or Apple TV, and users with a fast Internet connection can start viewing the movie in seconds. Customers have up to 30 days to start watching it, and once a movie has been started customers have 24 hours to finish it -- or watch it multiple times.
An all new version of the Apple TV software delivers an entirely new user experience centered around iTunes Movie Rentals, allowing movie fans to rent and watch movies right from their widescreen TV, with no computer required. Users can also view photos from their computers, Flickr and .Mac Web Galleries on their widescreen TV as slideshows or screen savers, and anytime photos are updated on Flickr or .Mac they are automatically updated on Apple TV.
"Apple has created an incredibly easy and innovative way to rent and enjoy movies," said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment. "Millions of movie lovers will be able to watch wonderful movies from Fox and the other major studios whenever and wherever they want, be it on their computer, TV, iPod or iPhone."
Apple TV users can now also browse and enjoy the iTunes Store podcast directory of over 125,000 video and audio podcasts, view over 50 million originally created videos from YouTube, or choose from a selection of six million songs, over 600 TV shows and 10,000 music videos to purchase directly from their Apple TV. Purchases downloaded to Apple TV are automatically synced back to iTunes on the user's computer for enjoyment on their computer, iPod or iPhone.
Apple TV easily connects to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV now automatically plays all of your iTunes content without setup or management.
Pricing & Availability
Movie rentals from the iTunes Store for Mac or Windows require iTunes 7.6, available as a free download immediately from iTunes.com. iTunes Movie Rentals require a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only and are $2.99 (US) for library titles and $3.99 (US) for new releases, and high definition versions are priced just one dollar more with library titles at $3.99 (US) and new releases at $4.99 (US).
The new Apple TV software will be available as a free automatic download to all Apple TV customers later this month. Apple TV, which includes the Apple Remote, is available from the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price $229 (US) for the 40GB model, and for $329 for the 160GB model. Apple TV requires an 802.11g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high definition widescreen TV. iPod games will not play on Apple TV.
Starting today, iTunes users can rent movies for as low as $2.99 and watch them on their Macs or PCs, all current generation iPods, iPhone and Apple TV.
Apple said it plans to offer over 1,000 titles by the end of February, including over 100 titles in high definition video with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound which users can rent directly from their widescreen TV using Apple TV. iTunes Movie Rentals are priced at $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases, and high definition versions are just one dollar more with library titles at $3.99 and new releases at $4.99.
"iTunes Movie Rentals instantly brings great movies from all the major studios directly to your iPod, iPhone, TV or computer -- without having to drive to the video store or wait for DVDs to arrive in the mail," said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs. "Movie lovers can now discover and enjoy movies as simply and easily as music lovers discover and enjoy music today on iTunes."
Once a movie is rented, it starts downloading from the iTunes Store directly to iTunes or Apple TV, and users with a fast Internet connection can start viewing the movie in seconds. Customers have up to 30 days to start watching it, and once a movie has been started customers have 24 hours to finish it -- or watch it multiple times.
An all new version of the Apple TV software delivers an entirely new user experience centered around iTunes Movie Rentals, allowing movie fans to rent and watch movies right from their widescreen TV, with no computer required. Users can also view photos from their computers, Flickr and .Mac Web Galleries on their widescreen TV as slideshows or screen savers, and anytime photos are updated on Flickr or .Mac they are automatically updated on Apple TV.
"Apple has created an incredibly easy and innovative way to rent and enjoy movies," said Jim Gianopulos, chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment. "Millions of movie lovers will be able to watch wonderful movies from Fox and the other major studios whenever and wherever they want, be it on their computer, TV, iPod or iPhone."
Apple TV users can now also browse and enjoy the iTunes Store podcast directory of over 125,000 video and audio podcasts, view over 50 million originally created videos from YouTube, or choose from a selection of six million songs, over 600 TV shows and 10,000 music videos to purchase directly from their Apple TV. Purchases downloaded to Apple TV are automatically synced back to iTunes on the user's computer for enjoyment on their computer, iPod or iPhone.
Apple TV easily connects to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV now automatically plays all of your iTunes content without setup or management.
Pricing & Availability
Movie rentals from the iTunes Store for Mac or Windows require iTunes 7.6, available as a free download immediately from iTunes.com. iTunes Movie Rentals require a valid credit card with a billing address in the country of purchase. iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only and are $2.99 (US) for library titles and $3.99 (US) for new releases, and high definition versions are priced just one dollar more with library titles at $3.99 (US) and new releases at $4.99 (US).
The new Apple TV software will be available as a free automatic download to all Apple TV customers later this month. Apple TV, which includes the Apple Remote, is available from the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price $229 (US) for the 40GB model, and for $329 for the 160GB model. Apple TV requires an 802.11g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high definition widescreen TV. iPod games will not play on Apple TV.
Comments
Seems a little expensive and rental time is short. But otherwise, I can't wait to try it.
I don't mind losing the special features, I don't watch them nearly as often as the movies themselves.
my 0.2 cents
There is no logical reason to not let me buy the HD. The only reason it wouldn't show up is if the Studios and Apple want play the control/power game (as could be expected). It will be interesting to see if Apple is being reasonable here.
I haven't seen any mention of it but I'd like to have the option to buy movies in HD, also. I rent many movies and buy just a few, but if I could purchase them in HD I would do that long before buying the SD DVD and ripping it.
I don't mind losing the special features, I don't watch them nearly as often as the movies themselves.
I'd guess 720p. AppleTV can't handle 1080p. Unlikely it could do 1080i.
480p is considered an HD format... I'd be unsurprised if that's what it was. A feature film at 720p is gonna take many hours to download for MOST of us.
(and 1080i is barely any more info than 720p ... something like 1 million pixels vs. 950k pixels.)
Too Expensive for a Download! This Pricing structure wont work for the general public... it should be,"I mean... RENTAL? Cmon!" 99 cents for Standard Quality,$1.99 for hd!
my 0.2 cents
Agreed. Look at the lines at the 'red box' in the grocery store for 99 cents a night. There's only so much to pay for convenience. (mind you, this is itunes, which charges 1.99 for a music video for cryin out loud).
Personally, my best worth would be to get some movies onto the ipod before I get on a plane...
I haven't seen any mention of it but I'd like to have the option to buy movies in HD, also. I rent many movies and buy just a few, but if I could purchase them in HD I would do that long before buying the SD DVD and ripping it.
I don't mind losing the special features, I don't watch them nearly as often as the movies themselves.
Right on! No HD to buy- WTF! What a mistake. Isn't that supposed to be the whole reason not to buy Blu-ray or HD DVD and beat Microsoft to the punch in the first place? If you can rent and buy regular movies you should have the same option for HD. Too bad- it could have been a slam dunk.
|
| Hi, my name is Zachary. Welcome to Apple!
| Zachary: How may I help you today?
| You: Hi Zach, I have a quick question about the updates to apple tv
| You: I see the ability to rent has come out, and that HD is now available. Is it possible to buy HD as
| opposed to just renting?
| Zachary: One moment.
| You: sure thing
| Zachary: Thanks for waiting. I'll be right with you.
| Zachary: They are only available for rental only, sorry.
| You: thanks anyway..
| Zachary: You're welcome.
| Zachary: Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business.
|
p.s. this sucks...
I second the motion. I want to buy HD. I'm not big into renting, and I don't care for near DVD quality...
There is no logical reason to not let me buy the HD. The only reason it wouldn't show up is if the Studios and Apple want play the control/power game (as could be expected). It will be interesting to see if Apple is being reasonable here.
Too Expensive for a Download! This Pricing structure wont work for the general public... it should be,"I mean... RENTAL? Cmon!" 99 cents for Standard Quality,$1.99 for hd!
my 0.2 cents
If you drive to Blockbuster to rent a new film you'll pay at least $6; renting from iTunes seems to be not only cheaper but obviously far more convenient.
480p is considered an HD format... I'd be unsurprised if that's what it was. A feature film at 720p is gonna take many hours to download for MOST of us.
xBox live has 720p movie rentals, which range from 5-7GB depending on the film; when xBox Live is working properly they only take 1-2 hours to download. Presuming you can start watching while the film is still downloading (like the xBox), it's not a problem. The important thing here is choice: if you don't want to wait for the HD download, rent the crappy and cheaper SD version instead. I'm sure they're at least 720p, because the increase from SD to 480p wouldn't be worth providing two different versions for, let alone charging an extra dollar for.
480p is considered an HD format... I'd be unsurprised if that's what it was. A feature film at 720p is gonna take many hours to download for MOST of us.
I takes me about 35-45 minutes for 'near-DVD quality'. So I would expect 3-4 hours for 720p, unless they do some amazing compression.
(and 1080i is barely any more info than 720p ... something like 1 million pixels vs. 950k pixels.)
1920 x 1080 = 2,073,600
1280 x 720 = 921,600
So, speaking in terms of pixels, 1080i has many more than 720p. If you want to talk about interlaced vs. progressive than the picture changes a little (no pun intended).
If you drive to Blockbuster to rent a new film you'll pay at least $6; renting from iTunes seems to be not only cheaper but obviously far more convenient.
I pay 16 bucks a month at blockbuster. With that I can have to DVD's at a time, I exchange two a month for free at a store and can send as many as I like by mail. They only take 3 days to get. So for that $16 I can watch a 10 to 15 movies a month or more depending on free time. If you go with the iTunes model 15 movies would cost you around 50 bucks (10 SD Library titles, and 5 SD new releases). For the HD content the same would run you $65. For that much more money the convenience goes right out the window.
Anyways.... $2.99 for 24hrs is bad... and 30 between DVD on iTunes... thats real bad.
I guess i will rent a movie when i am flying or taking Amtrak.
480p is considered an HD format... I'd be unsurprised if that's what it was. A feature film at 720p is gonna take many hours to download for MOST of us.
(and 1080i is barely any more info than 720p ... something like 1 million pixels vs. 950k pixels.)
Not sure where you're getting that from.
Standard Definition (SD), as in DVDs are 720x480 = 480p. That is not High def. It is digital.
High def is 720p or 1080i or 1080p.
720p is 1280x720 at up to 60 frames per second.
1080i is 1920x1080 interlaced with effective frame rate up to 30 frames per second.
1080p is 1920x1080 with a frame rate up to 60 frames per second.
All film movies are filmed at 24 frames per second.
Therefore 1080i is just as good as 1080p for film movies. It is MUCH higher resolution than 720p.
Right on! No HD to buy- WTF! What a mistake. Isn't that supposed to be the whole reason not to buy Blu-ray or HD DVD and beat Microsoft to the punch in the first place? If you can rent and buy regular movies you should have the same option for HD. Too bad- it could have been a slam dunk.
Um, how much storage do you people have?? Very, very few people have the space to permanently store HD movies on their hard drives. Myself included.
I'm waiting to see how quickly the library expands before I take the plunge on this, though. And I need to see some real-world reviews of how well it works.
I don't see where the rental option is on iTunes 7.6. Anybody know where it is?
Glad I'm not the only one; I was feeling stupid...
I didn't see any mention of a future date for movie rentals and assumed they were available immediately with 7.6, but all I see are links for purchase...
Agreed. Look at the lines at the 'red box' in the grocery store for 99 cents a night. There's only so much to pay for convenience. (mind you, this is itunes, which charges 1.99 for a music video for cryin out loud).
Personally, my best worth would be to get some movies onto the ipod before I get on a plane...
I couldn't disagree more. I pay quite a bit for convenience, because I have the money, and I hate people. But then again, I don't understand why anyone would shop at Walmart, either, so I'm definitely in the minority.
I hate the 24 hour thing more than anything else. I'd much rather pay a monthly subscription, or at least get 48 hours to watch. But I'm guessing that will change in time.
$2.99 is not that much for a rental. How much do most of us pay for Latte's every day?