Audio Video News

Apple has started selling and renting high-def movies through iTunes.

The move is not unexpected--iTunes has been carrying TV shows from four major networks in HD since last autumn. But now it's handling theatrical titles as well. High-def rentals will cost $4.99 for new titles and $3.99 for older ones, a buck more than the same titles in standard-def. HD purchases will cost $19.99, twice the cost of an average SD download. Apple plans to carry hot titles in HD 30 days after their initial release. Resolution is 720p, which may come as a disappointment to those with 1080p displays.

Apple had previously rented HD movies through Apple TV, but viewing was limited to that device. Now HD movies can be played on computer, iPod, iPhone, or TV. You'll need iTunes 8.1 or higher.

See Apple press release.