Apple Just Announced HD Rentals for AppleTV

[thunderclap]

From MacRumors (Live Feed from Macworld):

9:46 am HD rentals are $4.99. 100 titles today

9:46 am Synching with iTunes.

9:45 am Photos from Flickr & .Mac

9:44 am Podcasts = audio and video

9:44 am Apple TV Take 2. No computer required. Rent movies on Apple TV. DVD quality AND HD + Dolby 5.1

9:44 am What about the flat screen TV? "we have all tried to get movies on a flat screen TV, and we all missed.

[clads01]

Any word yet on what resolution? 720p? 1080i/p? I did not see info; i've been following the engadget live blog ...

[DustoMan]

Apple TV price drop!!!

Now $229. Can't wait to get one!

[thunderclap]

Originally Posted by clads01

Any word yet on what resolution? 720p? 1080i/p? I did not see info; i've been following the engadget live blog ...

They didn't say as far as I can tell. Once the Apple store is back up they'll probably have the specs.

[thunderclap]

Just saw the specs on Apple's site: 720p.

[clads01]

Originally Posted by thunderclap

Just saw the specs on Apple's site: 720p.

Yep, 720p. Here are all the detailed specs:

http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html

[clads01]

Interesting note in the movie rental table:

"8. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound is not available with all HD rentals."

[blauter78]

I like the sound of this but hate to add yet another component to my home theater. What are the chances of these being able to stream to 360 or ps3?

[tranzparentl]

Apple TV is looking interesting.

If I can get it to play HD videos from my computer that aren't bought/rented from iTunes I might give it a shot.

I currently stream with the Xbox Media Center but if I can get 1080p video on Apple TV I will consider a switch.

[clads01]

Originally Posted by tranzparentl

Apple TV is looking interesting.

If I can get it to play HD videos from my computer that aren't bought/rented from iTunes I might give it a shot.

I currently stream with the Xbox Media Center but if I can get 1080p video on Apple TV I will consider a switch.

I was confused at first and thought this announcement was for a new piece of hardware. But "Apple TV Take 2" is just a firmware/software upgrade. No capability for 1080i/p. From specs page:

"maximum resolution: 1280 by 720 pixels at 24 fps, 960 by 540 pixels at 30 fps"

[DustoMan]

Originally Posted by blauter78

I like the sound of this but hate to add yet another component to my home theater. What are the chances of these being able to stream to 360 or ps3?

None. Neither device supports Apple's DRM scheme.

[DustoMan]

More info from Engadget:
HD rentals are ONLY on Apple TV in 720p. They can't be bought on the PC.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/m...ie-hd-rentals/

[thunderclap]

Originally Posted by DustoMan

None. Neither device supports Apple's DRM scheme.

Considering Apple has a stake in BD I'd imagine a software upgrade on the PS3 might make this a possibility. But also consider how tight Apple is with the iPod/iPhone. It's unlikely they'll allow iTunes to work with any other hardware since the music/movies/tv is there to sell their hardware.

[michealo]

no thanks, this is like the Diet Coke of HD.

[DustoMan]

Oh no no. Apple has absolutely no interest in licensing FairPlay to anyone even though it would be in the consumer's best interest. They only want their content to work on their hardware.