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Level 1

0 points

My Apple TV does not offer me a 'Rent' option for some films - why

Greetings.

I am running an Apple TV2 with the latest software (5.0.2) installed.

Recently I am not being presented with a 'Rent' option on some films - actually, quite a lot of films. The Preview, Wish List and More options are all available but not Rent.

I have my resolution set to Standard Definition.

I have tried changing it to HD to see if that altered the situation, but alas...

I am aware that the ATV3 plays 1080 HD content and am wondering if the store content has been upgraded to 1080 and is subsequently off-limits to ATV1 & 2?

Any light that you guys can cast on the issue would be greatly appreciated

AppleTV 2

Posted on Sep 9, 2012 1:39 PM

24 replies

Nwo Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 13, 2012 12:40 PM in response to vazandrew

I understand that.

What I find objectionable is:

A. The fact that the offending films are listed on the ATV interface without one being able to actually purchase them within that same interface. One has to go to iTunes on the computer/iPad in order to do that.

B. The recent changes that have occurred as regards licensing. The production /distribution houses that I have listed above are responsible for a sizeable chunk of what I currently want to watch, and for some of those movies to be available to rent one day, and not the next is rather galling.

I'd imagine that it would be a simple affair for apple to segregate the movies for purchase and the movies for rent and arrange them under those titles accordingly... Wouldn't solve the problem, but it would certainly lessen the disappointments when trying to rent films.

It's not the end of the world by any means - its just irksome.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,354 points

Sep 13, 2012 12:46 PM in response to Nwo

A. That's not entirely true. One can purchase directly on the Apple TV, this function just hasn't been rolled out to your location (due to licensing).

B. Correct, but it is up to the studios discretion and agreements have been made.

Nwo Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 13, 2012 1:34 PM in response to vazandrew

A. With reference to my situation, it is entirely true. I cannot purchase films directly from my ATV.

B. Guess i'll just have to wait for movies to appear on Netflix then.

Still fairly disappointed though - the new interface on the ATV strikes me as poorly thought out.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,354 points

Sep 13, 2012 2:31 PM in response to Nwo

A. Yes, but they are available in the iTunes store to be searched (while most locations can purchase directly), thus they appear.

B. If they are new releases it'll be awhile as the studios have strict guidelines. Netflix has a different type of service and thus more issues when it comes to licensing.

If you would like to provide feedback directly you are welcome to

http://www.apple.com/feedback/

Nwo Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 7, 2012 12:37 AM in response to Nwo

Just an update on the above issue:

The problem seems to have been resolved for the most part. There are still a number of title that are unavailable to me but nowhere near the number at had been off-limits.

Thanks to those who answered my query.

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,548 points

Oct 7, 2012 1:35 AM in response to Nwo

You may also see discrepancies if AppleTV is set to rent/buy HD but teh movie is only available in SD.

The ATV1 used to list both options together rather than making you choose in Settings.

DP812

Level 1

22 points

Oct 7, 2012 5:07 PM in response to Nwo

Unfortunately, that's just the nature of the current, and extremely flawed, system. Technology has changed the way many people rent and buy movies, yet the studios are still using the same models that applied before this technology was available. As such, you have reams of red tape making simple situations complicated. Content providers have to work out a better system for handling rights and distribution, especially if they want to discourage piracy.

Dec 3, 2012 6:52 AM in response to DP812

I suppose this is what we asked for...we all bought Apple TVs an subscribed to Netflix, and now that Blockbuster is out of business and the local rental ship closed, Apple and Netflix can force us to purchase movies at exorbitant rates, rental option no longer available. And some movies disappear all together, I keep them in my favorites to prove I didn't imagine them in the first place.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,354 points

Dec 3, 2012 8:23 AM in response to thecodeman

Netflix us subscription based and it's not Apple that sets the pricing for rentals/purchases

My Apple TV does not offer me a 'Rent' option for some films - why