If you live in the US, you have been able to purchase HD movies from iTunes since 2009. This is something that hasn’t been available in the UK up until now.
MacRumors reported earlier that some movies in the UK iTunes store are now available in HD. We just checked this out, and there are certain titles available to buy in HD.
Apple has yet to announce anything about this, and only certain titles are available at the moment. One of those is The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, which is now available for £12.99 for the HD version of the movie, as opposed to £9.99 for the SD version.
The Evolution of Digital Movie Purchases
The introduction of HD movies on iTunes in the UK marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital movie purchases. When iTunes first launched its movie store, the focus was primarily on standard definition (SD) content. However, as technology advanced and consumer demand for higher quality video increased, Apple began offering HD movies in the US in 2009. This move was well-received by consumers who were eager to experience their favorite films in better resolution and clarity.
The delay in bringing HD movies to the UK iTunes store could be attributed to various factors, including licensing agreements, regional content restrictions, and the need to ensure a robust infrastructure to support HD streaming and downloads. Now that HD movies are finally available in the UK, it opens up new possibilities for movie enthusiasts who prefer digital purchases over physical media.
Impact on the UK Digital Movie Market
The availability of HD movies on iTunes in the UK is expected to have a significant impact on the digital movie market. With the increasing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, consumers have become accustomed to high-quality video content. By offering HD movies, Apple is positioning itself as a competitive player in the digital movie market, providing an alternative for those who prefer to own their movies rather than stream them.
Moreover, the introduction of HD movies on iTunes could potentially drive sales of Apple devices such as the Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone, which are all capable of displaying HD content. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of creating an ecosystem where hardware and software work seamlessly together to deliver an enhanced user experience.
While the current selection of HD movies on the UK iTunes store is limited, it is expected that Apple will gradually expand its catalog. Popular titles and new releases are likely to be added, providing consumers with a wider range of options. Additionally, the pricing strategy, with HD versions costing slightly more than their SD counterparts, is designed to encourage consumers to opt for the higher quality option.
Let’s hope that Apple starts to add more HD movies to the iTunes store here in the UK. Although at the moment the number of movies available to purchase in HD is somewhat limited, the future looks promising. As more titles become available, it will be interesting to see how this development influences consumer behavior and the overall digital movie market in the UK.
via Gadgetsteria
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.