Movies for download

[Burbage]

I see that apple have beefed up their movies download section at the iTunes store with the release of iTunes 9.

The rental option seems interesting. Maybe something for Fat Bob to check out with his new super media machine.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has tried it yet.

[Fat Bob]

If I did that it would be illegal, even though I'd be paying money for it. Apple aren't licenced to sell movies, music and TV shows in Singapore via iTunes.

So I'll do it other ways.....

[Burbage]

Well, it will be interesting to see how it goes elsewhere.

[Bender]

Interesting avatar FB. Was it generated by your new media centre?

[Fat Bob]

[Jedi]

I don't think anyone, including apple, currently has a digital media distrubtion business model that's going to have any impact on the current global tide of "free" digital media. I'm not saying that I have the answers either, but I sincerely doubt it's iTunes.

[canuck]

if you blur your eyes FB the grey box reveals you have a heart, or maybe it is a spleen?

[baloo]

if you blur your eyes FB the grey box reveals you have a heart, or maybe it is a spleen?

I see jaffa Cakes

[Burbage]

I don't think anyone, including apple, currently has a digital media distrubtion business model that's going to have any impact on the current global tide of "free" digital media. I'm not saying that I have the answers either, but I sincerely doubt it's iTunes.

I would have said they've made considerable progress with digital music. I don't think the "free" (otherwise known as illegal) music will ever go away, but at least Apple has managed to reacquire revenue for the publishers. The key is convenience. If Apple can provide fast and error free downloads which don't contain viruses and don't depend on computers which have no vested interest in avoiding spam and malware, then renting a movie at $5 a time has considerable merit. After all, most movies you only watch once, how much effort would you want to go to to save $5?

Anyway, it'll be interesting to watch developments.

[slinky]

If I did that it would be illegal, even though I'd be paying money for it. Apple aren't licenced to sell movies, music and TV shows in Singapore via iTunes.

So I'll do it other ways.....

Hmmmm, I'm able to download movies from iTunes to the Mac Mini & watch them but I think the main reason we can do it is because we are using a US credit card. I like the rental option - works well & is good when it's something you know you aren't likely to watch more than once.

[Fat Bob]

Slinky, I reckon in your Apple/iTunes profile you also use your US address. Therefore Apple thinks it's allowing you to download from the US. As you are not, then it's illegal.

Don't worry, it's also illegal for Amazon to send DVDs outside of their distribution zone. You probably won't be done for it, Amazon would be in this case.

Burb, I can download a movie from elsewhere and watch it on multiple platforms without having to buy specific hardware. With iTunes that would not be the case.

[canuck]

if you blur your eyes FB the grey box reveals you have a heart, or maybe it is a spleen?

I see jaffa Cakes

too much beer last night?

[Fat Bob]

sounds like that's the case for both of you!

[slinky]

Slinky, I reckon in your Apple/iTunes profile you also use your US address. Therefore Apple thinks it's allowing you to download from the US. As you are not, then it's illegal.

I'm pretty sure they are quite capable of figuring out where I am based on my IP address and it's their problem as far as I'm concerned. I doubt it's really in their interest though because I'm paying them for the movies/TV shows I download - they'd be losing revenue.

I have a friend in the US who did get contacted by his internet service provider because he was downloading illegally from a bit torrent web site. He was basically given a cease and desist order from the service provider or they'd have to turn him over to the piracy police people (for lack of a better term ) I'm pretty sure those are the bigger fish in the grand scheme of movie downloading.

[canuck]

so slinks, you use your card from home and they haen't twigged? I haven't downloaded because they whinge on about how "We can tell where you are and such rubbish"

[slinky]

Every time there's a new version of iTunes the standard agreement thing pops up and you have to click 'agree' -- I'm sure it says something in there about how you're supposed to be in the US - we just click 'agree' and then go ahead and buy or rent whatever. So far, so good.

[Fat Bob]

Ah, so now we're working on levels of wrongness.....

I wouldn't worry at all slinks and just go ahead. At worst you'll get a similar cease and desist order. Then you'll turn to torrenting!

[Burbage]

Well, one can assume that the "next big thing" is probably not going to be decided by the Singapore market. Uptake from China, Japan, Europe and the USA will be the deciding factors.