Apple’s recent embrace of HDTV is putting the spotlight on a growing trend of renting high-definition movies and TV shows online for up to 24 hours of viewing. Rivals such as Sony and Vudu are already preparing to make high-definition video a bigger part of their online entertainment offerings, and additional providers are expected to join the fray.
However, Apple upped the ante this week by making high-definition TV episodes from all four U.S. TV networks available for download at its iTunes Store, which has already rented more than one million HDTV shows since its introduction of HDTV programming last month. Even better, it now has more than 600 feature films available in HDTV.
“We’ve got an incredible fall 2008 TV lineup with over 70 prime-time comedies and dramas, including many of the most popular shows on TV in stunning HD,” said Apple Vice President Eddy Cue. “With over 200 million episodes sold, iTunes customers have proven they love watching television on their computer, iPod, iPhone and TV with Apple TV.”
Streaming Hit Movies
Later this month, Sony will stream its hit movie Hancock to BRAVIA (Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture) large-screen displays equipped with the company’s BRAVIA Internet video link module. The module is designed to receive a variety of online programming in both standard and high-definition formats, including on-demand movies, YouTube videos, and other content not found on TV networks, cable channels, or satellite TV.
Sony’s online Hancock release from Oct. 28 through Nov. 10 marks the first time a top-grossing theatrical movie will be streamed to consumers’ homes in advance of the packaged media release. Consumers who register online and purchase Sony’s Hancock rental stream will also receive a free Blu-ray copy of Hancock following the movie’s Nov. 25 release on disc, the company said.
“This is an important development…