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Apple planning to launch iTunes HD videos?

updated 04:50 pm EDT, Thu October 4, 2007

Apple iTunes HD Leak

Apple intends to revitalize its flagging Apple TV hub by launching HD video downloads on iTunes, according to a rumor from a source which in the past accurately described the iPod touch in advance of its launch. A "selection" of the movies and TV shows available from the company's store would receive a significant step up in resolution from today's videos, which are currently limited to the maximum 640x480 size officially supported by the iPhone and all existing iPod models. Apple is stocking up on supplies of its media hubs in anticipation of increased demand spurred by the HD videos, says the purported insider.

While many of the details were left out of the alleged leak, the 40GB and 160GB Apple TV models on sale now support playback of widescreen videos as sharp as 720p (1280x720), qualifying as HD-capable. Apple's September iPod refresh also introduced a new component video output cable that would theoretically support HD video, although the existing lack of support by current Apple handhelds would limit its usefulness with iTunes HD content.

If accurate, the claim would have Apple make the announcement sometime before the end of the month, coinciding closely with the company's expected October release of Mac OS X Leopard.

 
Previous Comments

About Time

10/04, 05:24pm reply

This is the reason i don't buy more. I've stopped because the res sux!

But don't be fooled thinking I'll be paying more! NOPE! $1.99 for a music video is fine, but the res has to be very much improved.

MiMiC

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2007

0

Bring It On

10/04, 05:41pm reply

Yep, the price needs to remain $1.99 and the res needs to be upped to 1280x720.

MacnTX

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2004

0

I'll wait thanks

10/04, 05:53pm reply

I'm waiting (and hoping) for Apple to release an updated Apple TV that has gigabit ethernet, bigger internal hard drives and external hard drive support, and supports 1080p.

Pismo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2006

0

Audio?

10/04, 06:16pm reply

720p would be highly welcomed, but I would like multi-channel audio to go along with it. Stereo (or non-discrete surround sound) is so 90's.

Filburt

Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2001

0

1080p

10/04, 06:28pm reply

Also agree - Apple needs 1080p. Other parts of Apple TV are cutting edge (like the interface, and 802.11n), but why not 1080p?

curmi

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2001

0

hd-capable

10/04, 06:45pm reply

"as sharp as 720p (1280x720), qualifying as HD-capable."

abc and fox broadcast in 1280x720, and nobody says those to channels are broadcasting hd-capable...

this is not good journalism!

there's HDTV, which is always 16:9 widescreen and min. resolution of 1280x720 and there's EDTV/SDTV, all resolutions below 1280x720, in 4:3 or 16:9....

smokeonit

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2005

0

TV Shows and Movies

10/04, 06:55pm reply

I am Waiting for them to bring TV Shows and Movies to all of there stores.. Australian Store is still lagging far behind the rest of the world once they release some Movies of TV Shows maybe they will have more uptake of the Apple TV...

MRsneezy

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2007

0

@ Pismo

10/04, 08:23pm reply

...i'm with ya, but let's not forget PVR functionality too!

roberto

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2007

0

HD podcasts

10/04, 08:54pm reply

I have compiled a list of over 100 HD podcasts. It is available at http://hd.appletvsource.com

luckk

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 2005

0

@ pismo

10/04, 08:56pm reply

you want a pony with that, too?

rok

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Mar 1999

0

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