Will I have to re-buy all my HD content in 1080p?

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Level 1

131 points

Will I have to re-buy all my HD content in 1080p?

Now that the AppleTV supports 1080p, and the iTunes Store is offering such content, what about the existing HD content that I have? I assume it's all hardcoded at 720p. Is there an upgrade plan to 1080p, or do I have to buy it all again?

Also, how can I tell whether any given HD content on the Store is 1080p or 720p? (I'm considering buying Monty Python and the Holy Grail but I will only buy it if it's 1080p; the Store doesn't say if it is or not.)

iMac (27-inch Mid 2010), Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Mar 7, 2012 11:54 AM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

170,200 points

Mar 7, 2012 12:13 PM in response to Babaganoosh

It's probably too soon to know whether there will be any upgrade path.

As to 720p or 1080p, that will probably be shown on the page in iTunes for the movie. If you look to the left below the "buy" buttons, it'll show the run time, size and format. I would presume that when 1080p movies are available, that will be shown there. I haven't found any yet. MP and the HG says that it's 720p.

Regards.

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Answer 2

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 7, 2012 12:42 PM in response to varjak paw

The only HD content I have now is TV series (four seasons of L&O: Criminal Intent, two of SVU). I wonder if TV shows will also be offered in 1080, or if it's only movies.

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Answer 3

varjak paw

Level 10

170,200 points

Mar 7, 2012 12:47 PM in response to Babaganoosh

The promo material says "Enjoy 1080p HD movies and TV shows", but we'll have to wait and see what content appears and when. The content providers will have to make the content available as 1080p before Apple can offer it, obviously.

Regards.

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Answer 4

Mar 7, 2012 1:30 PM in response to Babaganoosh

Here is how it works:

New purchases are downloaded on the computer in 720 only after purchase. To download the 1080 version, go to purchases in iTunes and download that copy there. Not all movies have a 1080 version.

Old purchaes, if they have the 1080 copy will be available through purchases in iTunes. No need to upgrade. Not all movies have a 1080 version.

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Answer 5

Mar 7, 2012 1:57 PM in response to TooDarkPark

Also, you can select which version you prefer to download in iTunes through prefernces / store. Select prefer 1080.

To show purchases available in 1080 in purchases in iTunes, select not on this computer.

You need to update to the latest iTunes version to use all features.

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Answer 6

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 7, 2012 6:56 PM in response to TooDarkPark

So if any given movie or TV show is available in HD on the store, but otherwise doesn't indicate whether it's 720 or 1080, what should I assume? 720 only?

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Answer 7

Mar 7, 2012 10:51 PM in response to Babaganoosh

Correct. I have so far noticed that if a movie is available in both, 720 and 1080, it will state that below the price.

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Answer 8

Mar 7, 2012 10:57 PM in response to Babaganoosh

I have noticed a few things about this new feature amongst others. 1080p content is on average 200mb larger file than 720p. Also i cant play the first on pc but can stream from pc to apple tv.

Also not related is the redownloading of movies doesnt seem to be for the uk.

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Answer 9

Babaganoosh Author

Level 1

131 points

Mar 7, 2012 10:58 PM in response to TooDarkPark

Next question: Can all currently shipping Macs play 1080p video?

(I have a 2010 iMac, iPhone 4S, iPad, and AppleTV. Those last two I'm replacing with units I just bought today, so I'm not concerned about them. And I don't particularly care if the iPhone can play 1080p. I'm just concerned about the actual Mac itself. I wonder if I can delete the SD versions of the movies I just bought today and just keep the 1080p HD versions.)

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