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Wall Street Journal confirms iTunes TV show rentals [Update: Netflix on Apple TV claimed by BusinessWeek]
TV shows and iTunes go back several years now, to October 2005. If iTunes TV show sales have not been as brisk over those five years as Apple and the studios might have hoped, perhaps a less expensive rental solution might introduce vigor to the TV market. This afternoon, the Wall Street Journal has confirmed with "people familiar with the matter" that Apple is set to announce $0.99 rentals during tomorrow's media event. Rumors of iTunes TV rentals have been widespread over the last month. With Hulu Plus waiting on the sidelines for $10/month (and ads, for that matter) and Netflix hyping digital streaming to mobile devices, it seems like a good time for Apple to dip its toes into new and more flexible revenue streams. While Apple is willing, it seems like the studios had to be convinced. WSJ sources say that studio participation in the rental scheme is contingent on broader Apple participation in digital development deals. I know that I have rarely re-watched any of my iTunes purchases -- and that most of those purchases were based on pre-Hulu availability after my EyeTV system failed to record shows. But with Hulu as a major player these days, not to mention the promise of Hulu Plus's mobile streaming service, and with a growing recession, will consumers be willing to pay extra just to skip ads? Update: Engadget points to the Bloomberg BusinessWeek report claiming Netflix streaming will also be on deck for a revamped Apple TV.
iTunes TV show rentals for 99 cents may be on the way
Here's another rumor about the new Apple TV (or "iTV" as some are calling it), which may be in the cards for the upcoming Apple event in two weeks. Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is in advanced talks with several media outlets to offer TV show rentals through iTunes for 99 cents an episode. Each episode would be made available within 24 hours of the episode's airing on television, allowing one to essentially rent the episode for 48 hours, commercial-free. This isn't such a huge surprise, really, though it does strongly support the idea of a new Apple TV device and cloud-based streaming services to handle these rentals. It'll be interesting to see if one would be able to get a discount on a season pass of streaming episodes. If you watch two shows every weeknight, that's about $40 a month. Depending on how many networks get on board, even at three shows a night at $60/month seems like a bargain against what some cable and satellite companies charge. Even a better deal, when they are commercial free and viewable on many devices.
iTunes 8.1.1 update adds support for HD rentals, but where are they?
Consider the "where are the HD rentals in iTunes?" question partially answered, now that 8.1.1 has brought the advertised functionality to the desktop according to its own release notes. Some iPod and iPhone sync issues have also been addressed, but we know what the people want. Unfortunately, even after installing the update none of the $5 rentals in high definition are anywhere to be found, only SD. The wait continues.
iTunes UK gets rentals
Apple fans across the pond have long complained about their inability to purchase or rent movies from within iTunes. Those users now have reason to celebrate (and maybe give that Apple TV some use), as movies are now available in the UK iTunes Store!According to the press release, 700 titles are available to purchase or rent, with over 100 titles available in high-definition. Some films will be available to purchase the same day as the DVD release.When it comes to rentals, the policy seems to be pretty much the same as the US store, with one notable exception: the rental period is 48 hours. That should make LOTS of UK users happy.Pricing is as follows: £6.99 for library titles £10.99 for new releases £2.49 for library rentals £3.49 for new release rentals High definition rentals will be £1 more Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Deciphering iTunes Movie options
Now that iTunes rentals have launched, it has become kind of tricky deciphering what movies are available to rent, what movies are available to purchase, and what movies are available and what movies can be rented or purchased. While Apple promises that more than 1000 movies will be available to rent by the end of February (including over 100 in HD with Dolby 5.1 sound), the current rental total (as of today) is about 375. And although Apple doesn't have a clear "rental" section at this point in time, finding out what films are available to rent is pretty easy. Just do a blank power search for movies and check the box that says, "Search movies that are available for rental." That will then give you a list of 150 titles at a time of all the films available to rent. Click, more results to get the next page of results. What is trickier, however, is trying to decipher exactly which movies are available for what type of purchase. Looking at the list of available titles, I could not find any clear pattern that explained why certain films are available only to buy or only to rent. I'm sure that this was all decided by the studios, based on their own internal sales trends and valuations. For instance, the majority of the "new releases," that is, the $3.99 rentals, are only available to rent. Meaning you can't buy a download of "The Simpsons Movie" or "300." This makes sense, as I'm sure the studios (Fox and Warner Bros., respectively) would prefer customers buy those films on DVD rather than an iTunes download. This is not universal, however, as some of Disney's new releases, like "Ratatouille" and "Pirates of the Carribean 3" are available for both download and rental. It should be noted these films were available for purchase before Tuesday's announcement.Speaking of new releases, it is important to keep in mind the caveat that was mentioned during the keynote - right now studios will wait 30 days after a film comes out on DVD before making it available on iTunes rentals.
Netflix Watch Instantly and iTunes movie rentals: aiming for two different markets
Quite frankly, it was hard to take Netflix's sudden freeing of its Watch Instantly feature as anything but a response to Apple's forthcoming iTunes movie rentals, but according to a piece at The New York Times, the two are actually aiming at different markets. After speaking with Netflix's Reed Hastings, it was found that the vast majority of its streamable content was "older," and considering that users of this service can never look forward to brand new releases being available, the cost (i.e. free to most mail-in subscribers) makes sense. As for Apple, it's able to focus on crowds who are looking for a more robust, generally fresher selection, but of course, you'll pay the premium each time you indulge. Furthermore, Netflix has yet to make transferring video to any display / device other than your monitor easy, and while an LG STB is indeed on the horizon, the differences in content selection are still likely to lure separate eyes. For more on the how's and why's behind the battle that probably isn't, go on down and tag the read link.
Apple's iTunes 7.6 plays nice with 64-bit Vista
Not only is the latest version of iTunes (v7.6 for those keeping count) required to enjoy those brand new movie rentals, but users with 64-bit Windows Vista machines can now look forward to using the software without issue. According to a number of tips, owners of said setups are apparently having no issues with it as of now. So, 64-bit Vista users -- for any of you courageous enough to give it a whirl, why not install iTunes 7.6 and report back with how things worked out?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Apple TV Take 2
The Apple TV has hardly been the most successful Apple product. In fact, you could say it has been kind of a flop. Even Steve Jobs admitted in his keynote address that the Apple TV has failed to meet expectations and truly link online content with the television. So what is Apple's plan to try to change that? Welcome to Apple TV Redux!While the Apple TV's form factor remains the same, the software interface has changed significantly. The most notable feature is the ability to buy music, movies and iTunes rentals directly from the device, no computer required. Frankly, this is something I think should have been included from the very beginning. The Apple TV will be able to playback HD and standard definition movies and support Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.Additionally, Apple TV will now support interactive slideshows via Flickr and .Mac accounts.There's one more change - one I also think is a big improvement to the overall product - the price has dropped. The 40 GB entry model is now just $229 USD (down from $299) and the 160 GB model is $329. Now that users actually have the ability to buy content directly from the device, and that HD content will be readily available, it has suddenly become much more attractive.Current Apple TV owners can get the additional benefits via a software update now in the two weeks (when the new units ship).
Apple introduces iTunes movie rentals, HD rentals
Apple has officially announced movie rentals for iTunes. Studios involved include Touchstone, MGM, Miramax, Lions Gate, Fox, Warner Brothers, Walt Disney, Paramount, Universal, and Sony, just to name a few. The new feature will launch today with 1,000 available films by the end of February -- prices will come in at $2.99 for a regular rental, and $3.99 for new releases. You'll be able to begin watching your movie in 30 seconds, and will have the rental for up to 24 hours, during which time you can transfer the file to an iPod or iPhone and take it on the go. Additionally, you'll be able to nab HD rentals for just $1 more, respectively.
