Hands-on with iTunes movie rentals: quirky and restrictive, but dead easy
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Jan 16th 2008 3:52AM
posted Jan 16th 2008 3:52AM
Update: Discovered something interesting about the aspect ratio... hint: it's not 16:9.
A new "Rented Movies" directory shows up in our iTunes library. Clicking "More Info" gives you some more information about your rental. The expiration time appears in the upper-right corner. The 24-hour viewing clock is already ticking since we started watching the film during download. Really, who can wait the 30 day maximum before watching a film they just rented?
Don't worry, Apple is happy to nag you about your rentals.
Damn, have to run out. Let's try to transfer the rental to our iPod like Steve showed us during the keynote.
iPod plugged in, ready to sync and... er, what's this? How come our Video tab looks nothing like Steve's? Oh right, the rental transfers to iPods are for current generation "iPod classic, iPod nano with video and iPod touch models" only. Where's the firmware love Apple? Our iPod is only one generation old!
After locating the file on our hard drive (~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/Movies) we discover some interesting details about our download. So what aspect ratio is 853 x 356 pixel exactly? 16:9, 4:3, or some iphone proprietary ratio sitting in between? None of the above. It's actually a cinematic 2.39:1.
Conclusion
Despite the few quirks we experienced, the steps required to rent from iTunes were dead simple and the ability to play the movie after just a few minutes of clicking "rent movie" was a big plus for our Type A personalities. Assuming you have the bandwidth that is. Sure, we're not talking HD video or 5.1 audio here. Nevertheless, the quality was surprisingly good when displayed full-screen on our 30-inch, 2560 x 1600 pixel display -- even when sitting at keyboard-length from the monitor.
Perhaps the most telling result of our experience is this: we're tempted to rent again, soon.
So yeah, we rented a second flick -- Zoolander. Note the variation in pixel density which also results in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Looks like iTunes renters are in for a crapshoot.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, yes we tried to open the file with VLC and other media players. No luck, the file is locked down tight with Apple's own flavor of special DRM sauce. You can see a few individual frames of the film but no video. iTunes is the only capable player.
Conclusion
Despite the few quirks we experienced, the steps required to rent from iTunes were dead simple and the ability to play the movie after just a few minutes of clicking "rent movie" was a big plus for our Type A personalities. Assuming you have the bandwidth that is. Sure, we're not talking HD video or 5.1 audio here. Nevertheless, the quality was surprisingly good when displayed full-screen on our 30-inch, 2560 x 1600 pixel display -- even when sitting at keyboard-length from the monitor.
Perhaps the most telling result of our experience is this: we're tempted to rent again, soon.
Our experience was less than great. We ran into problems with our billing address and with downloading to a shared drive:
http://www.jimwillis.org/2008/01/29/itunes-movie-rental-experience/
Anyone worried about missing the movie after the 24hr timer starts:
Turn your system clock back.
Seriously, it works. I'm sure it won't after a patch or two, but it does now. So if you want to watch a movie rental for a week solid untill your eyes bleed, you can.
Enjoy! :P
Now if we could just get in Canada..
I tried upgrading last night (from Canada) because it specifically said that the upgrade would give me movie rentals.
When I got to the license agreement I got the craziest license agreement I've ever seen. These are, in no way touched up - I swear.
http://www.kennedydatasolutions.com/images/agreement.gif
http://www.kennedydatasolutions.com/images/agreement2.gif
you are missing a font it seems and it substituted a poor one :)
I know, but it was good for several laughs. Doesn't that first word look a lot like "Engrish?"
Xbox Live Video Market place is better anyways and you can get HD movies. They offer twice the movies too.
Hey engadget,
I'm not sure if you know this, but the word "gyp" is a derogatory racial stereotype of gypsies. You wouldn't use "jew" as a verb, so why use "gyp"?
Gypsy, give me your tears. If you will not give them to me, I will take them from you!
LOL who the fack cares about gypsies? I'm 29 and have been using that word (gyp) since I was a teenager and not once have I heard about it being a derogatory word. Mind you, I'm not saying you're wrong, but really, who cares about gypsies?
Oh, and iRentals FTL, no thanks, I'll stick with Netflix.
the answer to your stupid rhetorical question is gypsies, and all others who aren't "facking" racist a-holes. he's not wrong: it's not even the half of it. the nazis murdered over 500,000 gypsies, and the survivors and their descendants continue to suffer horrible prejudice from people such as yourself.
seriously, engadget, that was a major lapse in editorial judgment. fix it now.
dear god, this world has become way too friggin politically correct. Let me get this straight, your offended by a word that is only offensive in a different context than engadget is using?
"omg he said gyp! I know what that word means and it wasent used in a racial context but I'm still going to bitch and moan! Lolz!"
Troll.
Funny how most dictionaries say that the etymology of the word is in question and that no direct evidence exists that gyp comes from gypsy.
"However, direct evidence is lacking, and the term arose in the US, where gypsies have been less common than in Europe. Gypsies don’t call themselves that, by the way, but Roma, from their word Rom, a man. The verb only began to appear in print near the end of the nineteenth century and took some time to become well known" http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-gyp1.htm
Are you going to tell me that it's not ok to use the phrase "welsh on a bet" either? The terms no longer have anything to do with the ethnic groups they came from, and if anything you should just be glad that people can't see a connection between "gyp" and "gypsy" without your pathetic whining.
The OED is uncertain of the etymology (I went and looked, out of curiosity), but certainly enough people believe it to be a racial slur to make use of it in any context problematic. For those of you complaining, I would present the scenario of a funeral - there would be nothing necessarily implicitly offensive in, for example, laughing loudly at a joke. But you would (hopefully) refrain anyway, out of respect for others.
I was afraid that apple was going to gyp me, so I wrote to them to try to jew them down.
My friend bet me they would do it, but he alway welshes on a bet.
From American Heritage Dictionary: "n.
1. A fraud or swindle.
2. One who defrauds; a swindler.
[Probably short for Gypsy.]"
Dictionary.com: "[Origin: 1885–90, Americanism; back formation from Gypsy]"
From Wikipedia: "A slang, pejorative term referencing Gypsies"
It's inappropriate in journalism. That's the bottom line. There are other word choices available to convey the same meaning.
It's not "pathetic whining." It's called being aware of how other people react to words. But then, since you have apparently no understanding, we'll just assume you're white and dumb.
I'll come out and say it, I'm sick of gypsies trying to beg my money off of me. Go away.
"I f*ckin' hate pikeys..."
"wut the fook du I wanta caravan datts got no fookin wheels?"
Sigh.
I don't see a lot of gypsies in America to get upset over this. When the NAAGP gets involved, I'll worry.
And as for the rest of the world, you can't tell me that gypsies are beloved members of society. They got the reputation for being thieves and swindlers because they *were* thieves and swindlers. I'd think they'd be proud that the very idea of swindling someone has adopted their name.
I'm Welsh/Native American. Don't preach to me about words and slurs. When this country stops naming sports teams "Redskins", I'll worry about the poor, downtrodden gypsies. I deal with it, just like the aforementioned "Welsh on a bet" phrase, which is basically referencing the fact that a bet with a Welshman is likely to never be paid.
But those poor gypsies! They were slaughtered by the Nazis!
And my ancestors were slaughtered by the white people. `Funny how time and it not happening even close to my generation makes me not give a shit, and judge things based on context and modern intentions. I joke about it with my best friend (she's Black) by saying her people were just enslaved, while mine were either butchered or made to act white. . . And the latter is worse!
We're decidedly not Politically Correct.
In other words, shut up. If it offends you, file a complaint with the gypsies. I'm sure the gypsy version of Al Sharpton would love to march on Engadget. He'll quote the gypsy Martin Luther King Jr., and then we'll all see the error of our ways.
24 hours? seriously? That's pretty lame for $2.99/$3.99/$4.99 a pop, especially considering blockbuster's freedom pass (unlimited movies $25 a month) or netflix. The prices would be worth it if it was a week long rental, but a single day? C'mon. Also HD rentals should not be any more expensive than normal rentals. Stop holding HD back guys!
image you can find any movie you want in itune. i think it is a big plus.
people like convenience, being able to get the movie without drive to block buster is a plus.
now, all they need to do it make it easy to use for people older than 35+.
People older than 35+ are the ones who built the whole interweb that you're currently using. And pretty much pioneered every other cool thing out there as well. Return your geek card now please.
While I agree it is a bit steep, it's the same price range Comcast charges me for On Demand movies. The restrictions are similar, 24 hours to view, except Comcast doesn't give you the 30 days or, of course, the ability to go portable.
i think the problem is that Apple makes brilliant software and hardware, but they always kinda screw up with some superfluous rules when they come to reality.
I agree... those prices are steep! I think I will stick to Redbox (http://www.redbox.com) They are only $1 for a 24 hr rental.
Redbox is $1, but you need to physically pick it up and drop it off. Can you transfer it to a portable device? Do you have access to HD movies? Do those kiosks let you choose from over 150 movies?
That's why RedBox is $1 and iTunes charges more.
Most likely Apple did this setup to get all studios on board. It's a fairly standard pricing structure for those who want instant gratification (ComCast OnDemand being one of them). Bringing the movies to portable devices is great.
And for those whining about paying more for HD - grow up. Early adopters pay more. If you have an HD display (whether it be a nice laptop, LCD monitor or HDTV), I'm sure that extra $1-2 is chump change to what you paid to watch it on.
The 24 hours is only from the time you start watching the movie. You have 30 days from date of rental before you must begin watching. Unbox on TiVo has the same restrictions.
TEG
XBox Live Marketplace rentals are similarly restricted to 24 hours.
It'll be interesting to see who breaks this 24-hour limitation first... Apple is not the first to have it, but hopefully the last, to have it.
You can keep the rented movie on your hard drive for 30 days after you download it if you want to, the 24 hour thing only applies once you start watching it. I don't think that's unreasonable.
I don't understand the need for the 24hour restriction. Why not make it a week.
99% of my rentals from Netwflix are watched only once, even if I keep the DVD for a week. If I watch my movie once, I'm not going to pay again to watch it two days from now. So by extending the period to a week they would be losing no money at all, and making the customer happier.
They need to add the ability to purchase the rented movie after watching it for the standard price minus what you payed to rent it.
Unfortunately that's how the Xbox Live movie downloads work too. You have 24 hours to watch the movie.
Good thought DoctaDJones. Paying the difference after renting it would be a great way to not only boost sales of iTunes movies, but also promote a feature others do not have. That way making both rentals and purchases more desirable. I dig.
@Tim
"Can you transfer it to a portable device? Do you have access to HD movies? Do those kiosks let you choose from over 150 movies?"
By portable device you mean an iPod no older than 6 months, and by access to HD movies you mean a brand new Apple TV box is required, and 150 movies is nothing, RedRoom the australian equivalent of Red box has machines with thousands of discs.
So while Redbox may have its limitations lets not downplay the serious limitations of the new iTunes rental system.
Using it right now in Australia and, its awesome!
You are? I'm in Adelaide and see no movies option in the store. I updated to iTunes 7.6 this morning...
Oh really??
With an actual Australian account or a US one? :-)
US account.
Again there's the Apple branded middle finger salute to European customers..Cheers for that. Guess I'll have to muddle through with my unlimted dvd/game rental service from Lovefilm for a tenner a month...I use my ps3 at the mo to watch downloaded media on my lcd anyway & I dont see Apple helping Sony out with playing drm'd mp4 files any time soon. :O(
Still ho hum, must be nice to get your mits on the movie you fancy in three mins as opposed to 3 days...
I agree. I can't even get music videos in my store! the only video is three (yes, that's 3) shitty Pixar flicks.
that said, I don't think that it's coincidence that the European iTunes stores are consolidating. the other good thing about that is that I'm quite fond of some French diddies which I'll finally be able to purchase.
You can always play with your Zune in the meantime..
Hehe the irony of that psuedo Fanboy MS sark comment is that the Zune isn't sold in Europe either.
I think thats the point..
I don't suppose it ever occurred to you that Apple has to jump through an entirely different set of hoops to get EU movie rentals going? Or do you really think Apple just doesn't care about EU customers?
Led Zepplin Engadget?
A cookie to the first person to hack it to allow unlimited viewing time...
DRM cookies are already included.
Can someone explain what precisely you can do with the film when you download to an iPod as it really isn't entirely clear.
- Can I download to iPod and start watching it on the iPod within the 1 month limit, or do I have to start watching the film on iTunes before I can finish watching it on an iPod later
- Apple TV supports 5.1 sound, iPod doesn't, do I end up with a different file with only stereo sound on the iPod that needs to be converted first?
Great questions. I was wondering the same. If you download it to your iPod are you still limited to the 30 days/24 hours?
Grrr, what's with all the hating!? I think its an AWESOME service..
24 hours is only fair to be honest.. They give you 30 damn days to watch the thing, and then unless you're sad, you usually only watch it once, if you like it, you buy it.. Simple as.
I'm in Europe, and sure i'm a little annoyed that we don't get it at the same time, but this isn't Apple's fault.. They only provide the service, but there are a ton of rules, regulations and restrictions that they have little influence over. We're lucky to get the thing this year itself! Remember Xbox 360's service? That took time to get here as well, and the catalog is still pants in comparison..
I have a bad habbit of falling asleep on movies...48 hours would have been perfect for me since it usually takes me two tries to get through a movie! lol
Working for a living sure is tough!
Even 36 hours would satisfy me, but 24 hours is too short. If I start watching a movie in the evening and get interrupted, by the time I get home from work the next day it's too late to watch it.
The 30 day period is plenty generous, but give us just a little bit more time to watch for those of us who have unpredictable lives.
Bad Idea: Paying $X for renting a film like a video store.
Good Idea: Paying a monthly subscription for renting films like netflix.
I just recently had this talk at a Starbucks with a friend and we debated the different strategies for DRM infused entertainment data. It was concluded that both systems listed above have their use, but both should exist together for both music and movies.
I am willing to pay $1 for a song that i will then own, and I will enjoy that song for the rest of my life. I am also willing to pay $10 for a movie that i really enjoy, but i'm not wiling to pay for rentals and throw money away on films i can care less about. I am totally willing to give Apple $20 a month and the cost of a Apple TV if i could download as many films as i wanted, or even a limited amount per month. Or how about a limited amount of downloads with roll over! This i would be happy with, and will quickly stop giving Netflix my money and might even consider not getting a BD player!
So Steve, remember me? I'm that guy that you met in the elevator that one time at IL1. You asked me how i liked the new Mac OS X, and I told you it was incredibly unstable and slow and that I would never switch from Max OS 9.2.1. Ya, thats me! Anyway, please use the momentum of this rental system to get a subscription based system online too. Then I will give you even more money, and I'm willing to bet that a lot of other people will as well.
P.S. Oh and Steve... I changed my mind on Mac OS X, and i think you should put the logo back in the center like your originally wanted.
"Bad Idea: Paying $X for renting a film like a video store.
Good Idea: Paying a monthly subscription for renting films like netflix."
Bad Idea: Waiting months while your Blu-Ray movie selections sit in your netflix queue.
Good Idea: Being able to watch a movie within a minute of deciding to rent it.
"I am also willing to pay $10 for a movie that i really enjoy, but i'm not wiling to pay for rentals and throw money away on films i can care less about."
If you don't care about a film, why are you watching it?
I think they were right to move the logo out of the center of the menu bar — what if, y'know, the actual menus need to extend that far?
It appears that all of the studios have joined the online RENTAL service, but the movie PURCHASING side of the fence may still be a bit thin.
http://www.iSights.org/2008/01/apple-nabbed-st.html
Can it be used with itunes server? i.e send it to my ps3 for watching?
No the files have drm. Ps3 only plays non drm mp4 files.
Bummer, so can a pc or other device pick up and store these files? ;-)
The media files have been drm'd by apple. ergo you need some apple software to play them. Itunes on a pc/mac,a relatively new ipod or a apple TV box. Back with itunes 6 there was a great little app called hymn and other aps like fairuse that would strip out the drm and let you use the files on whatever you like. Difficult to argue fair use drm stripping on rented media though..
I'm trying to figure out how to get the rented movie from my MacBook's iTunes "Movie Rental" folder over to my Apple TV. When syncing, it's not appearing in Apple TV. Any clues?
I can't wait until the xbox live video marketplace works with Zune, it will have more movies, probably be in hi-def on your pc, probably work on the Zune 30gb and will probably have some form of a subscription service for video. When MS does things, they do it right. That's why when the new ipods came out this year, I was actually tempted to sway to that side and buy a classic or touch, until I came to my senses and said "Wait, don't spend your money yet. Wait until Zune announces their new products, and you will probably get what you want." That's exactly what I did, and I was right, the Zune was a much better product for me, with a subscription service and a better screen with higher value, it's better. And now it's going to work on XBL marketplace.
And don't say they're copying Apple in any way on this one, they've had XBL marketplace out for a few years and have been planning on releasing it for the Zune for a while, major nelson even said so (listen to the Engadget podcast from last week, the one all about xbox, he says it in there. That was before the apple press conference)
When MS does things, it does them right?
That's hilarious.
Everyone knows it's not worth buying anything of MS's until at least the 3rd version.
- DOS 3
- Windows 3.11
- IE3
- Maybe even Zune 3...
That's a lot of "probably".
Richy you twat. This is my problem with you nitwit apple fanatics. Microsoft releases a product and admits from the get-go that it won't be where they want it for 2-3 generations and tards like you beat them up for it. Apple does it (appleTV, iphone, etc) and people act like they're doing something innovative.
The only thing apple does that is innovative is their packaging. They make pretty products, but those products are ALWAYS limited compared to what the competitors offer.
That's the other great thing that Apple does. While their competitors are trying to give you more, Apple always gives you less and they then convince you that you only need what they give you. That's actually their greatest ability. Convincing people that you really only need what they're willing to give you.
Look at the Macbook Air. It's completely ass-backwards from the rest of the laptop industry, but it sure is pretty and light weight. One USB port, no optical drive, only 2gb of non-upgradable ram, non-user replaceable battery. But you will call it innovative. Sure it's only 3lbs, but once you factor in the optical drive you're carrying, and the USB hub, it's suddenly 5-6lbs and all that beautiful apple convenience is gone. Oh I'm sure they'll make a 4x dvd-rw to match it and it will only cost double what 16x units from other manufacturers cost. Don't worry though, they'll release a new version in 8 months that will have 2 usb ports, 4gb of ram and come with the above mentioned matching optical drive. You will upgrade again, you know you will. Apple sure as hell knows you will.
The iphone can't do crap that other cell phones have been doing for 10 years, but because you can type on a crappy keyboard with your thumbs and surf the web at dialup speeds it's innovative? Give me a break.
Fall in line and drink the Koolaid, that's what Apple expects and that's what people like you will do. All you need is what Jobs and Co want to give you, you're happy with that. You're probably content for the government to raise your taxes so they can better care for you too.
Oh, and don't foget Microsoft "Bob" as well!! :-D
When MS does things, it does them right?
That's hilarious.
Everyone knows it's not worth buying anything of MS's until at least the 3rd version.
- DOS 3
- Windows 3.11
- IE3
- Maybe even Zune 3...
I have no idea what you are talking about... I've had Zune since it's first generation and Xbox since it's first generation, every version just being major improvements to an already excelent product. Oh, and by the way, I'm actually sending you this message from another great ms product- my windows mobile 6 smartphone.
So, just to confirm, the rentals don't transfer over to 5thGen iPods?
In a nutshell, yes.
Can't see why, really - the iPod Classic has basically the same hardware in there (you can really tell, the new menu system is damn slow), so all the 5G would need is a firmware update.
It's like these 'multi-touch' gestures with the Air - there's no reason why the MB and MBP can't do them too, but Apple will claim they just invented it and won't update the others. That's beside the point, anyway.
Nope, no authentication chips.
The "current generation" thing must have been insisted upon by the studios. If it wasn't restricted, I could rent the movie, upload it to my 5G video then play video out on the non DRM restricted A/V cables and possibly make a video/dvd copy.
Wish it wasn't just for US accounts
Shelley from SuTree
Yeah MS does things right the first time alright, VISTA
How does the iPod Sync exaclty work? When I download a HD version how does that version get on the iPod since it doesn't support high-res movies, not even the iPod touch. How are these managed in iTunes? Are there 2 different copies?
Would be nice to know, since I was trying to figure out how to keep my own movies in iTunes with 2 different qualities. One for high-res (iMac or Tv) and one low-res for the iPod.
What a complete rip OFF!
For $4 a movie I can only have it for 24 hours? Are you f'ing kidding me?
Netflix is the way to go. Their movie, TV, concert, workouts, and other genres are endless. For $16.99 I get three movies/whatever at a time. I usually watch around 15 DVDs a month which comes to slightly over a $ BUCK $ each. I return on MINE TIME. On top of that, I get to watch for FREE over 6000 movies and recent TV shows on my pc...UNLIMITED.
Sorry, Apple's rent a movie might be a neat service for THEM to make money, but it does not even come close to being a great VALUE compared to Netflix.
Value to you, Sir.
Netflix would be a waste of money for me, even at their lowest price plan.
Apple's model - while not suitable for everyone, in every instance - is still a fantastic proposal for those seeking a reasonably priced on demand model with a good catalog and good quality.
No, when you rent a movie you can have it for 30 days. The 24 hour thing only applies once you start watching it. That's not unreasonable.
Can you share some of your 10 MBps bandwidth and 30" display?
$4 is extremely cheap, at least for most places in Europe, for a rented movie which you are only going to watch one time anyway. And you don't have to go driving in order to get the movie, it's just a click away.
What I find interesting, is what happens if you move the video onto the iPod, before watching it on the mac. Does the mac consider this as a "countdown starter", i.e. do you have 24 hours from when you transfered the film? Or can you watch it on the iPod, and, without plugging the iPod back in the mac, wait a week, and still be able to watch it on the mac?
I agree. $4 is pretty cheap for the UK. I currently get charged around $7 via Sky Box Office, and you get the same 24 hr restriction (and I think they self destruct if not watched for a mere 7 days).
A LoveFilm or Amazon subscription wouldn't really work for me. I don't get that much free time, and probably only watch 1 or 2 films per month (I really ought to unsubscribe from Sky Movies, but never seem to get round to it!). This 'pay as you go' method would be perfect for me. Just as soon as Apple are able to bring this to the UK!
That's not to say Apple shouldn't offer a LoveFilm/Netflix style subscription service too. Do we think they're so stupid that they haven't thought of it also? I doubt it. Let's see what the future holds.
I'm also interested in exactly how the iPod transfer works. Now that I've finally gone with the cool kids and got an iPod (Touch), I seem to watch most films on my commute on the Tube. It does take me a good day or two to finish the film though, which could be a problem...
I would imagine that the movie isn't playable in iTunes once it's been 'moved' to an iPod.
Hey, what's your internet speed? I use 1.5 mbs. Is that a non-starter?
Berto: Yes, that seems to be the situation. You cannot transfer movies to any iPod other than the newest generations.
Why pay that much when I can walk to a redbox and rent a movie for $1 and have it for a day?
Selection?
Convenience?
Pfffft. Why walk when you can drive?
The only way you would not know the answer to that question is if you don't know the difference between renting a movie from your couch, and getting up, putting a coat on, and going somewhere else. Going to Blockbuster or going to a redbox is a hassle, bottom line. Why do you think Netflix has gotten so popular? It's convenience. That is what makes iTunes rentals worth it.
Its funny how everyone is caught up on convince, and being able to do nothing more than just sit on their butt. I know it's easier to have it come to you, but what's the big deal about walking a little bit? Have we become that shut in, or lazy that getting up and walking to a near by store, or driving is that big of a deal?
I'll definitely be considering an AppleTV at the $229 price point and the cheap rentals. I'll be waiting to hear more details about this LG STB for Netflix, though.
Kinda related, I watched the keynote yesterday, and Jobs said that "These companies tried bringing video over the internet to your TV and have failed," and Netflix was one of them. Don't get me wrong, he has a point, but Netflix hasn't even *tried* yet.
I believe we are finally seeing the reason for the authentication chips in the Apple AV cables required for displaying content on all of the current generations iPods. The movie studios probably made this a requirement to prevent illegal copying. Along the same lines, Macs do not have HDMI outputs, but the Apple TV does, so that is most likely the reason why it allows HD movie rentals, but iTunes on your computer does not.
I'm sure thats the reason, I know the movie studios have ridiculous requirements for these types of things. However, I find it really funny that they take everything to this extreme, when guaranteed someone is going to simply rent the DVD/HDDVD/Blu Ray and upload it to bittorrent anyway. They still have weak links in other media formats, so its so useless. Do they really think someone is going to sit there and capture the video in this way rather than just heading to the Pirate Bay?
I primarily watch movies on my iPod Touch on the train/bus on my way to and from work and the end result is that it takes me at least 2 days to watch an average length movie. I can't believe that I'm the only person out there that wants to watch movies on their iPod but can't watch them in entirety within 24 hours. Shouldn't this rental service be targeted at users like me? For me, this rental service is a bust and I'll have to continue the Netflix rip/convert with Handbrake routine which works, but isn't all that convenient.
I'm really glad you've posted your comments. I've never really thought about breaking up a viewing as you describe.
To that point though, no company can target everyone with every single thing that they do. One would think that Apple has followed due diligence by conducting research on viewing habits - likely meaning that your habits are in the minority.
My habits may be precisely opposite of yours, but they may also be a minority. Apple is going to target the biggest group of consumers that they possibly can, while maintaining whatever fragile agreements they have with various movie studios. This is still a really slippery subject for the major content providers. A little progress is better than nothing at all. Lest we forget that Mr. Jobs and company have brought about DRM-free music, however limited the selection may currently be.
Given time, Apple may be able to work the film studios out of DRM, too.
For all those living in Germany have you tried Amazon´s monthly movie rental plan?
9.99 Euro a month gets you unlimited movie rentals (one DVD in possesionat a time).
Plus they have cheaper and more expensive options:
19.99 Euro a month gets you unlimited movie rentals (3 DVDs in possesion at a time).
Free delivery and return.
I just noticed something. 1)The screen cap shows the movie as wide screen not letter boxed. I thought current movies were all 640x480 letter boxed. 2) The specs for the Apple TV make specific reference to 480P anamorphic. "iTunes Store purchased video: 320 by 240 pixels, 640 by 480 pixels, 720 by 480 pixels (anamorphic), or high-definition 720p"
http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html
Is this something new or have I been living under a rock?
Oh, yeah. Go out and buy some new iPods, Stevie needs some cash. Firware updates? Hah! Screw you iPod users. Go buy another one.
Why is Apple using the old rental model of overcharging for a single rental + 24 hour viewing?? Isnt this what Blockbuster held onto for so long until they started going bankrupt because the Netflix model was eating them alive?? Now, Apple is trying to resurrect it, only in digital form & more restrictive.
No wonder all the studios are behind this, they see those dollar signs because this is a huge waste of money if you rent more than 2 movies a month. Plus, there is a proprietary device involved (AppleTV) in order to enjoy those movies on a TV. How do they ever expect to compete with a service like Netflix for $8 (just twice the amount of an iTunes rental) a month that has unlimited rentals + no late fee or restrictions + unlimited online streaming???
I love Apple, but consumers aren't THAT dumb. Money is money & this just isn't a good deal nomatter how you slice it. Will they ever get this right??
You do understand that Apple had to make deals with all these movie studios, right? You think this rental scheme is solely Apple's idea? You don't think that it's possible that the movie studios had some input in how restrictive it was? It's like iTunes music, Apple had to play ball with them to get their content onto the store.
Doesn't this service seem pretty much the same as amazon's rental/purchase system that can go to computer or directly to tivo? pretty much the exact same rules minus...watching it on an ipod