This is the smelly side of how Apple operates. They receive just credits for not being afraid to make drastic changes in their product strategies. But raspberries to them for not always being upfront about it. They may announce a new or replacement program in the future. But pulling the rug from under customers just stinks of arrogance.
Of course, I am still lining up for iPhone 5 when it comes out \
Weren't the bids to purchase Hulu due last Wednesday?? MAYBE Apple has been told they won they bid and are removing the .99 rentals now (legally, might have to end sales for a certain period of time prior to launch/acquisition is finalized?).
ALSO, lets not forget...Apple TV could be due for a fall refresh...this could coincide.
Again, might be a little out there, but I think the option could be on the table. Especially from a PR perspective, many companies launch/announce positive announcements shortly after negative press (Steve Jobs resignation).
Does Netflix for Apple TV have a more limited selection than regular Netflix?
I have Netflix and I think that it's pretty good, especially for $8 a month.
They are the same - equally limited, at least for some countries (I can't be everywhere to confirm this is universally true). It's pretty sweet to be able to start watching a show in the living room and then finish watching it in bed on the iPad or MBA.
There's an up side to the limited selection of contemporary popular shows - it forces you to open your mind to foreign shows or films, or classic ones. I have been enjoying MI-5 (aka Spooks) from the UK, which I never paid attention to previously.
Weren't the bids to purchase Hulu due last Wednesday?? MAYBE Apple has been told they won they bid and are removing the .99 rentals now (legally, might have to end sales for a certain period of time prior to launch/acquisition is finalized?).
ALSO, lets not forget...Apple TV could be due for a fall refresh...this could coincide.
Again, might be a little out there, but I think the option could be on the table. Especially from a PR perspective, many companies launch/announce positive announcements shortly after negative press (Steve Jobs resignation).
Best,
Brian
Could be. But it could also be simply the fallout from a failed program. Apple is not afraid to pull the plug on something. But sometimes they do it without warning. Ping may disappear too soon, with nary a word.
It's probably going to fall under iCloud as a purchase and you can watch whenever you want. Like how Apps work.
Yeah, given the prices even buying digital content is a dodgy proposition for what you end up getting, but renting is a fools game if you ask me. Say you want to sit down and watch a season of Big Bang Theory (something I did very recently). It would cost you roughly $23.00 and 24 hours later it's gone. Poof.
That would just make me feel like an idiot, which I can actually do for free. I don't need to pay the media companies to feel bad.
IMO it should be more like 99 cents an episode to buy it, not rent it.
.99 to own it in HD in the iCloud with competitive prices for complete seasons (like 9.99 for an album with 12 tracks) and maybe I'll bite. Sounds like the studios think they're worth more than they really are.
Apple can't make this work until internet access becomes a part of our national infrastructure like pavement. Oddly enough, Google might help make that happen; I need to read more on that.
Streaming movies via Netflix is OK but the picture quality doesn't come close to that of a DVD. Apple TV would only be good for movies if they do come out in very clear DVD quality. Otherwise it would be superfluous.
DVD's are horrible, they're only 720x480 !
Even my porn is higher quality than that.
Netflix streaming varies with the type of connection that somebody has.
I find that the HD movies which I've seen on Netflix have been of a pretty good quality, it's pretty amazing that such high quality streaming is commonly available now. It was unheard of, just a short time ago.
Does Netflix for Apple TV have a more limited selection than regular Netflix?
I have Netflix and I think that it's pretty good, especially for $8 a month.
As the other poster mentioned it may vary from region to region, however, in California, the Netflix where you order a DVD to be mailed to your house has an infinitely broader selection than the Apple TV version. I have never used the watch on computer version of Netflix so I can't comment on that service.
They are the same - equally limited, at least for some countries (I can't be everywhere to confirm this is universally true). It's pretty sweet to be able to start watching a show in the living room and then finish watching it in bed on the iPad or MBA.
There's an up side to the limited selection of contemporary popular shows - it forces you to open your mind to foreign shows or films, or classic ones. I have been enjoying MI-5 (aka Spooks) from the UK, which I never paid attention to previously.
Yeah, the selection varies by country of course. Since I'm in the US, my comments are about the US Netflix selection of course.
And yeah, it is nice how smoothly you can switch between devices. I started watching a documentary on my main machine a few days ago, and then I suddenly felt like taking a bath, so I just switched over to the iPad and finished watching it while relaxing in the tub.
I like watching a lot of documentaries and Netflix has a decent selection.
If somebody is looking for the latest, greatest, blockbuster movie releases, Netflix is not going to have most of those, but there is a lot of other really good content on Netflix.
What Star Trek fan wouldn't want to have access to almost every single Star Trek and Star Trek spinoff series made, including every single season and every episode!
What Apple has apparently done is discontinued a service. It's too soon to say if they did this on their own volition or the TV networks forced this, or if it will be replaced it with something else.
This. I would say that either the content owners pulled the plug or Apple has a new service coming that duplicates what they had.
It seems pretty unlikely that Apple just killed TV show rentals for the hell of it, since they have zero motivation to do so. They don't make any significant money off of iTunes media; the service is designed to sell hardware. Removing functionality from the iTunes Store doesn't sell hardware (which of course different from not including functionality that competes with the iTunes store, which this is not an example of).
They are the same - equally limited, at least for some countries (I can't be everywhere to confirm this is universally true). It's pretty sweet to be able to start watching a show in the living room and then finish watching it in bed on the iPad or MBA.
There's an up side to the limited selection of contemporary popular shows - it forces you to open your mind to foreign shows or films, or classic ones. I have been enjoying MI-5 (aka Spooks) from the UK, which I never paid attention to previously.
While I am not sure about Apple TV - the interface but not content on devices such as the Wii is somewhat limited compared to a computer.
As for content being taken away - I believe that is a Netflix deal and not anything to do with Apple at all. Don't forget that Netflix doesn't own the content they are delivering. As more studios etc offer their own subscription based streaming services it will be harder for Netflix and Apple etc to offer the same content.
And Yes Netflix can be a Treasure Trove - of older and more obscure stuff that you would other wise miss entirely or not pony up the cash to pay for individually - with the benefit of being able to decide part way through something that you don't like it after all and it did not cost you 99 cents or $3.99 to find out. Just don't forget that they were not founded on the idea of providing the latest releases - but rather on capturing the long tail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Tail)
The Apple TV is and has been an experiment, a water testing. The time has come for the hobby/testing to end and the paradigm shift to happen by "going all the way" with new iOS powered Apple 50" displays - those devices should no longer be called TVs as they break with the old passive hypnotized couch potato paradigm, on to the new interactive net based video on demand amongst many other uses paradigm.
The Television was a one-trick-pony, to be a (sewage) pipe downloading programing from Big Brother Studios. Steve doesn't want that, no sane human wants (to be controlled) that. All souls want freedom! Freedom (or the illusion thereof) comes from being assertive/interactive, in sum from the Net.
So no more TV. Should we say Netiv? I would name it iPlay but it's almost like a simple 1920x1080 computer display. I like iPlay.
Apple one's will work with the iCloud and the Apple iEcosystem.
This we are due to have the announcement soon, maybe mid-September with October availability, perhaps.
But don't believe you me, I'm just rumoring :-)
PS: there's no way this is not going to happen, Steve and Apple need this.
PPS: the $99 Apple TV box will live on because Apple is smart.
I don't know about treasure trove. I think the selection stinks on Netflix for Apple TV.
stinks is not a strong enough word for netflix selections for streaming. ok, there are a few titles for kids, and its good place to find washed -up shows that can't seem to find a place to die.
PPS: the $99 Apple TV box will live on because Apple is smart.
People may not realize how flexible the $99 Apple TV really is. Because it can download new firmware upgrades painlessly, it will avoid becoming obsolete as the content providers keep jockeying around for their cut of the market.
This is the smelly side of how Apple operates. They receive just credits for not being afraid to make drastic changes in their product strategies. But raspberries to them for not always being upfront about it. They may announce a new or replacement program in the future. But pulling the rug from under customers just stinks of arrogance.
Of course, I am still lining up for iPhone 5 when it comes out \
Looking forward to reading of your inside knowledge of the reasons behind this 'smelly' action (maybe such as demands from studios?) You clearly know something we don't. Please share.
I always felt $.99 was too much for a rental. When you can buy a seasons DVD for around $20, that has 15-20 episodes...why would I want to pay $.99 to just rent it? I'd pay $.99 to buy an episode, and maybe that is what is coming. It falls more in line with what a single episode from a DVD would break down to.
I'd pay .99 to rent if: I was taping a series on my DVR and missed a single episode; I wanted to check out a new series (that I forgot to DVR) out of curiosity, but certainly not enough to buy the season, or even an episode for $3; I wanted to rewatch the last episode from last season before the new season airs tomorrow night.
Personally I am far more inclined to rent an episode for .99 than to buy a season from the iTunes Store, or, especially, to buy a single episode. (Why would you ever buy a single episode of a show, other than as an expensive 'rental'?). If I want the whole season, I am going to want it on Blu-Ray or DVD. (I have zero interest in attempting to maintain/backup a huge video library on hard-drive... already got my hands full with music, photography, etc.)
Yeah, given the prices even buying digital content is a dodgy proposition for what you end up getting, but renting is a fools game if you ask me. Say you want to sit down and watch a season of Big Bang Theory (something I did very recently). It would cost you roughly $23.00 and 24 hours later it's gone. Poof.
That would just make me feel like an idiot, which I can actually do for free. I don't need to pay the media companies to feel bad.
IMO it should be more like 99 cents an episode to buy it, not rent it.
(in fact it's $60.00!)
And you re-watch TV shows... how often?
Most TV content is disposable. Building a business model on buying it is silly.
Most quality content (HBO, PBS, etc) is usually available eventually for purchase.
Comments
Of course, I am still lining up for iPhone 5 when it comes out
Do we know if this was a unilateral thing on Apple's part of if it's something forced on them by the content owners?
Weren't the bids to purchase Hulu due last Wednesday?? MAYBE Apple has been told they won they bid and are removing the .99 rentals now (legally, might have to end sales for a certain period of time prior to launch/acquisition is finalized?).
ALSO, lets not forget...Apple TV could be due for a fall refresh...this could coincide.
Again, might be a little out there, but I think the option could be on the table. Especially from a PR perspective, many companies launch/announce positive announcements shortly after negative press (Steve Jobs resignation).
Best,
Brian
Does Netflix for Apple TV have a more limited selection than regular Netflix?
I have Netflix and I think that it's pretty good, especially for $8 a month.
They are the same - equally limited, at least for some countries (I can't be everywhere to confirm this is universally true). It's pretty sweet to be able to start watching a show in the living room and then finish watching it in bed on the iPad or MBA.
There's an up side to the limited selection of contemporary popular shows - it forces you to open your mind to foreign shows or films, or classic ones. I have been enjoying MI-5 (aka Spooks) from the UK, which I never paid attention to previously.
I know this may be a little out there, BUT...
Weren't the bids to purchase Hulu due last Wednesday?? MAYBE Apple has been told they won they bid and are removing the .99 rentals now (legally, might have to end sales for a certain period of time prior to launch/acquisition is finalized?).
ALSO, lets not forget...Apple TV could be due for a fall refresh...this could coincide.
Again, might be a little out there, but I think the option could be on the table. Especially from a PR perspective, many companies launch/announce positive announcements shortly after negative press (Steve Jobs resignation).
Best,
Brian
Could be. But it could also be simply the fallout from a failed program. Apple is not afraid to pull the plug on something. But sometimes they do it without warning. Ping may disappear too soon, with nary a word.
It's probably going to fall under iCloud as a purchase and you can watch whenever you want. Like how Apps work.
Yeah, given the prices even buying digital content is a dodgy proposition for what you end up getting, but renting is a fools game if you ask me. Say you want to sit down and watch a season of Big Bang Theory (something I did very recently). It would cost you roughly $23.00 and 24 hours later it's gone. Poof.
That would just make me feel like an idiot, which I can actually do for free. I don't need to pay the media companies to feel bad.
IMO it should be more like 99 cents an episode to buy it, not rent it.
(in fact it's $60.00!)
Apple can't make this work until internet access becomes a part of our national infrastructure like pavement. Oddly enough, Google might help make that happen; I need to read more on that.
Streaming movies via Netflix is OK but the picture quality doesn't come close to that of a DVD. Apple TV would only be good for movies if they do come out in very clear DVD quality. Otherwise it would be superfluous.
DVD's are horrible, they're only 720x480 !
Even my porn is higher quality than that.
Netflix streaming varies with the type of connection that somebody has.
I find that the HD movies which I've seen on Netflix have been of a pretty good quality, it's pretty amazing that such high quality streaming is commonly available now. It was unheard of, just a short time ago.
Does Netflix for Apple TV have a more limited selection than regular Netflix?
I have Netflix and I think that it's pretty good, especially for $8 a month.
As the other poster mentioned it may vary from region to region, however, in California, the Netflix where you order a DVD to be mailed to your house has an infinitely broader selection than the Apple TV version. I have never used the watch on computer version of Netflix so I can't comment on that service.
They are the same - equally limited, at least for some countries (I can't be everywhere to confirm this is universally true). It's pretty sweet to be able to start watching a show in the living room and then finish watching it in bed on the iPad or MBA.
There's an up side to the limited selection of contemporary popular shows - it forces you to open your mind to foreign shows or films, or classic ones. I have been enjoying MI-5 (aka Spooks) from the UK, which I never paid attention to previously.
Yeah, the selection varies by country of course. Since I'm in the US, my comments are about the US Netflix selection of course.
And yeah, it is nice how smoothly you can switch between devices. I started watching a documentary on my main machine a few days ago, and then I suddenly felt like taking a bath, so I just switched over to the iPad and finished watching it while relaxing in the tub.
I like watching a lot of documentaries and Netflix has a decent selection.
If somebody is looking for the latest, greatest, blockbuster movie releases, Netflix is not going to have most of those, but there is a lot of other really good content on Netflix.
What Star Trek fan wouldn't want to have access to almost every single Star Trek and Star Trek spinoff series made, including every single season and every episode!
For $8 a month, Netflix is a no brainer.
What Apple has apparently done is discontinued a service. It's too soon to say if they did this on their own volition or the TV networks forced this, or if it will be replaced it with something else.
This. I would say that either the content owners pulled the plug or Apple has a new service coming that duplicates what they had.
It seems pretty unlikely that Apple just killed TV show rentals for the hell of it, since they have zero motivation to do so. They don't make any significant money off of iTunes media; the service is designed to sell hardware. Removing functionality from the iTunes Store doesn't sell hardware (which of course different from not including functionality that competes with the iTunes store, which this is not an example of).
They are the same - equally limited, at least for some countries (I can't be everywhere to confirm this is universally true). It's pretty sweet to be able to start watching a show in the living room and then finish watching it in bed on the iPad or MBA.
There's an up side to the limited selection of contemporary popular shows - it forces you to open your mind to foreign shows or films, or classic ones. I have been enjoying MI-5 (aka Spooks) from the UK, which I never paid attention to previously.
While I am not sure about Apple TV - the interface but not content on devices such as the Wii is somewhat limited compared to a computer.
As for content being taken away - I believe that is a Netflix deal and not anything to do with Apple at all. Don't forget that Netflix doesn't own the content they are delivering. As more studios etc offer their own subscription based streaming services it will be harder for Netflix and Apple etc to offer the same content.
And Yes Netflix can be a Treasure Trove - of older and more obscure stuff that you would other wise miss entirely or not pony up the cash to pay for individually - with the benefit of being able to decide part way through something that you don't like it after all and it did not cost you 99 cents or $3.99 to find out. Just don't forget that they were not founded on the idea of providing the latest releases - but rather on capturing the long tail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Tail)
and they have done very well at that.
It could be a precursor to a new service coming.
Exactly!
The Apple TV is and has been an experiment, a water testing. The time has come for the hobby/testing to end and the paradigm shift to happen by "going all the way" with new iOS powered Apple 50" displays - those devices should no longer be called TVs as they break with the old passive hypnotized couch potato paradigm, on to the new interactive net based video on demand amongst many other uses paradigm.
The Television was a one-trick-pony, to be a (sewage) pipe downloading programing from Big Brother Studios. Steve doesn't want that, no sane human wants (to be controlled) that. All souls want freedom! Freedom (or the illusion thereof) comes from being assertive/interactive, in sum from the Net.
So no more TV. Should we say Netiv? I would name it iPlay but it's almost like a simple 1920x1080 computer display. I like iPlay.
Apple one's will work with the iCloud and the Apple iEcosystem.
This we are due to have the announcement soon, maybe mid-September with October availability, perhaps.
But don't believe you me, I'm just rumoring :-)
PS: there's no way this is not going to happen, Steve and Apple need this.
PPS: the $99 Apple TV box will live on because Apple is smart.
Even 99 cents per TV episode is too much to ask. I'm not willing to pay anything at all for any TV episode on a per episode basis.
Maybe Apple is coming out with a subscription based model? That makes far more sense than offering everything separately.
Netflix and services like it are where it's at.
Well for a 1-a-week show that's one thing, but a daily show is another. And since the only thing I watch on cable is The Daily Show...
Netflix rocks.
BTW, I have a ATV2 and it doesn't have a TV menu of any sort - for rental or purchase. Is this a Canada thing?
I don't know about treasure trove. I think the selection stinks on Netflix for Apple TV.
stinks is not a strong enough word for netflix selections for streaming. ok, there are a few titles for kids, and its good place to find washed -up shows that can't seem to find a place to die.
PPS: the $99 Apple TV box will live on because Apple is smart.
People may not realize how flexible the $99 Apple TV really is. Because it can download new firmware upgrades painlessly, it will avoid becoming obsolete as the content providers keep jockeying around for their cut of the market.
This is the smelly side of how Apple operates. They receive just credits for not being afraid to make drastic changes in their product strategies. But raspberries to them for not always being upfront about it. They may announce a new or replacement program in the future. But pulling the rug from under customers just stinks of arrogance.
Of course, I am still lining up for iPhone 5 when it comes out
Looking forward to reading of your inside knowledge of the reasons behind this 'smelly' action (maybe such as demands from studios?) You clearly know something we don't. Please share.
I always felt $.99 was too much for a rental. When you can buy a seasons DVD for around $20, that has 15-20 episodes...why would I want to pay $.99 to just rent it? I'd pay $.99 to buy an episode, and maybe that is what is coming. It falls more in line with what a single episode from a DVD would break down to.
I'd pay .99 to rent if: I was taping a series on my DVR and missed a single episode; I wanted to check out a new series (that I forgot to DVR) out of curiosity, but certainly not enough to buy the season, or even an episode for $3; I wanted to rewatch the last episode from last season before the new season airs tomorrow night.
Personally I am far more inclined to rent an episode for .99 than to buy a season from the iTunes Store, or, especially, to buy a single episode. (Why would you ever buy a single episode of a show, other than as an expensive 'rental'?). If I want the whole season, I am going to want it on Blu-Ray or DVD. (I have zero interest in attempting to maintain/backup a huge video library on hard-drive... already got my hands full with music, photography, etc.)
Yeah, given the prices even buying digital content is a dodgy proposition for what you end up getting, but renting is a fools game if you ask me. Say you want to sit down and watch a season of Big Bang Theory (something I did very recently). It would cost you roughly $23.00 and 24 hours later it's gone. Poof.
That would just make me feel like an idiot, which I can actually do for free. I don't need to pay the media companies to feel bad.
IMO it should be more like 99 cents an episode to buy it, not rent it.
(in fact it's $60.00!)
And you re-watch TV shows... how often?
Most TV content is disposable. Building a business model on buying it is silly.
Most quality content (HBO, PBS, etc) is usually available eventually for purchase.