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International HD news roundup

by Richard Lawler, posted Apr 19th 2009 at 8:11AM


Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, até à próxima!

Read - Sky HD EPG relaunched
Read - Fox Pan American Sports Establishes Its First HD Platform on the Intelsat Network
Read - Portugal goes for Zen
Read - Movies debut on German iTunes store

iTunes 8.1.1 update adds support for HD rentals, but where are they?

by Richard Lawler, posted Apr 6th 2009 at 5:11PM


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.

Where are the HD Movie rentals in iTunes?

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Apr 2nd 2009 at 4:19PM

iTunes HD Movies
Our friends at Apple TV Junkie posed a good question today, just where are the HD Movie rentals in iTunes? Sure you can rent them on the Apple TV, and you can buy them on both the Apple TV and in iTunes, but the press release highlighting the debut of HD Movie purchases specifically said "Starting today, movie fans can purchase box office blockbusters for download in HD for $19.99 from iTunes, and films will be available as iTunes Movie Rentals in HD for $4.99 within 30 days after release." Now we suppose it's possible that the 30 days mentioned starts when the titles are released for sale in the iTunes store, but we really thought it started when the movie was released, period. Either way, we should know for sure in about two weeks.

Apple adds HD video purchases to the iTunes Store

by Nilay Patel, posted Mar 19th 2009 at 5:12PM


Apple's flood of announcements this month continues apace today with the addition of high-def movie purchases to the iTunes Store. Although HD TV shows were previously available to buy, HD movies were rental-only until now. HD flicks will cost you $19.99, and we're guessing they're the same H.264 compressed 720p quality as usual, so videophiles will probably want to stick to Blu-ray. Purchases will come with both an HD file and an iPod / iPhone-ready SD file, which is a nice touch, and Apple's also promising that HD rentals will now be on the store within 30 days of retail release -- better, but not perfect. It's all going live today with exclusive pre-orders of Quantum of Solace and Twilight, but honestly, we're still wondering when Apple will implement subscription video and really take it to Netflix.

Apple prepping iTunes Replay on-demand streaming service?

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 12th 2009 at 8:53AM


Probably more than any other facet of Apple, we've seen rumor after rumor regarding iTunes fade away in the sunset. Of course, many of those delightful plans were likely shot down by the likes of the MPAA, RIAA and other so-called content guardians, but we say all that in order to depress your hopes on this one. For whatever it's worth, an undisclosed source at CNET has confirmed an AppleInsider report that Cupertino is prepping an on-demand video streaming service for the next iteration of iTunes. Slated to be dubbed iTunes Replay, the service would purportedly "allow users to stream their iTunes video purchases directly from the company's servers for playback anywhere, anytime without eating up local storage." There's no denying that Netflix's Watch Instantly has been a universal hit, but that's in large part due to the firm's willingness to embed that functionality onto all sorts of devices. Is Apple planning on going toe-to-toe with the market leader via your computer and a box it still regards as a hobby? We've got our doubts, obviously.

[Via CNET]

Ask Engadget HD: Is the Apple TV worth it?

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 21st 2009 at 12:00PM Featured Story


The Apple TV has had some time to mature since hitting the scene years ago, and while its functionality has certainly grown, it's still one of the most low-key products to ever emerge from Cupertino. Marvin's Ask Engadget HD question is about this very product, and given that quite a few of you probably own one by now, why not take a look and contribute?

"The Apple TV seems like a pretty good choice for my living room now that HD content is available and boxee can be added on. Still, I'd be buying into a mostly proprietary ecosystem, so I'm curious if it's really the best choice for a movie set-top-box / home media server. Do your readers have any suggestions one way or the other? Is it really the best, or are there better alternatives that do most of the same tasks?"

Give it some thought and chime in below. Don't worry, we won't call you a fanboy -- promise.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Quicktime 7.5.7 update cleans up HDCP Macbook issues, but only on SD vids

by Richard Lawler, posted Nov 26th 2008 at 8:11AM


Releasing it's stranglehold on iTunes Fairplay DRM'ed content just a bit, Apple has issued a Quicktime 7.5.7 update, that allows standard definition videos to play on external displays without HDCP support. High definition content still toils under HDCP and DisplayPort content Protection (DPCP), leaving oldschool displays at least functional, but sadly low res. Any new MacBook / MacBook Pro owners out there making the non-HD supported Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA journey who can check in and let us know if it's working now? Grab the lastest version with your usual Software Update function or from the apple Support Download Website.

Apple iTunes content throwing HDCP flags on new MacBook / MacBook Pro

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 10:18PM


Man, you just can't win these days. So Apple offers up an energy-efficient, forward-thinking Mini DisplayPort on its latest MacBook / MacBook Pro, and now users that are still rocking displays sans HDCP-compliant HDMI / DVI ports are up fecal's creek without a paddle. Apparently select content in the iTunes Store is laced in HDCP, which isn't all that unexpected in and of itself; the problem comes in when you realize that the new unibody machines don't offer a VGA / VGA-to-component output, meaning that you have to connect it to an HDCP-compliant display if you want to see anything. We know, one word in particular keeps coming to mind to describe this fiasco: awesome.

Sony caves, will offer iTunes film download in Pineapple Express

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 12th 2008 at 6:19AM


It's a momentous occasion, folks. Sony -- the outfit known for boldly sticking to its proprietary guns when perfectly acceptable options are widely available -- is finally showing that it can reach across the aisle to get things done. All politics aside, the January-bound Pineapple Express will include a downloadable version from iTunes. We're told that this is the first time in which a Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release has included such a thing, and yes, a traditional digital copy for PCs / PSPs will also be bundled with the DVD / Blu-ray. Which is just about as cool as killing your arch enemy with a Daewoo Lanos.

[Via HomeMediaMagazine, image courtesy of SPHE]

Apple's iTunes store breaks the 200 million TV episodes / 1 million HD sold mark

by Richard Lawler, posted Oct 16th 2008 at 9:01AM Breaking News


Apparently following Comcast's lead, Apple couldn't wait to get started with the celebrating this morning, eagerly pointing out that it's online store features primetime TV content from all four major networks (yep, NBC is back, in case you missed the news) and can call itself the "most popular online TV store". At 200 million episodes sold, with 1 million of those in high definition -- no word on how many couch purchases that includes -- we wouldn't say McDonald's billion's served score is in trouble yet, but we can see why someone wouldn't be all that enthused by Blu-ray.

Apple TV update finally lets you buy hi-def TV shows from the couch

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Oct 3rd 2008 at 1:18PM

Apple TV HD TV show list
Now sure why this update wasn't available at launch, but starting today Apple TV fans can download update 2.2 which among some security updates and Genius features, finally allows you to buy hi-def TV shows from the comfort of your own couch. What's also nice is that it doesn't matter where you buy 'em, because just like when you order a HD show via iTunes, you also get an iPod friendly version.

[Via Apple TV Junkie]

HDTV shows arrive on iTunes 8

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 9th 2008 at 2:15PM Breaking News


Just in case your hectic work day hasn't allowed you to follow our word-for-word (almost, anyway) coverage of today's Jobsnote, here's an HD headline to simmer on: HDTV shows are coming to iTunes 8. Among other niceties, iTunes 8 sees the re-joining of NBC and the launch of high-def TV shows at $2.99 a pop. Details are admittedly scant at the moment, but you will be able to watch 'em right on your computer. For those with a few bucks to spare, try it out and let us know how things go.

Warner includes download-only iTunes Digital Copy with 10,000 B.C. Blu-ray

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 26th 2008 at 11:38AM

BD-Live isn't the only thing Warner's adding to its Blu-ray releases, with the news that 10,000 B.C. comes with an iTunes Digital Copy. Unlike previous Fox and Lionsgate releases, this one isn't on the disc, apparently due to space considerations on the single-layer 25GB disc. DVD buyers don't even get that option, and in the absence of an official announcement by Warner or Apple about inclusion going forward, it seems to us this is a way for the studio to dip a toe in the water before making a decision on possible wider inclusion. However, if cost is a concern, the choice between copies to take on the road and bonus online features on the disc itself is an interesting one. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]

[Via iLounge]

Apple iTunes to compete "day-and-date" with DVD releases -- Wal-Mart weeps (now official)

by Thomas Ricker, posted May 1st 2008 at 8:33AM Breaking News

Hollywood Reporter says that Apple is expected to announce today an across-the-board deal to sell new release films at its iTunes Store. The deal is said to allow Apple to offer a "broad slate of top-shelf films" day-and-date with home video releases -- a long time sticking point with brick-and-mortar interests who want to keep their early-release edge on digital downloads. The deal includes Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, New Line and more -- all of which are currently inked to deliver rentals through iTunes. MGM is not part of the deal. That puts Apple in direct competition with Wal-Mart's DVD empire after having pushed Wal-Mart from the top spot in music sales for the first two months of the year.

Update: It's official. New releases will cost $15 and catalog titles will cost $10 -- US only for now. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Apple iTunes to compete "day-and-date" with DVD releases -- Wal-Mart weeps (now official)

Juno's Digital Copy causing headaches in Canada?

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 18th 2008 at 9:55AM


Apparently a number of Canadians who have purchased Juno in hopes of downloading a Digital Copy and hauling it around on the go are coming up empty handed. We're seeing reports of failed attempts to redeem the packaged code, resulting in error messages indicating that "This product is not available in the Canadian store." Initially, users were generally assuming the blame needed to be placed on Fox, but according to an e-mail reply from the Fox Digital Copy Support team, it indicated that "Apple [was] working" to fix the problem as quickly as possible. Any of you in the Great North dealing with the same issue? Have you seen this on more than just one occasion?

[Thanks, Nick]




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