Streaming iTunes Rental vs. iTunes Owned Movie

Question

Level 1

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Streaming iTunes Rental vs. iTunes Owned Movie

Hello all,

I was hoping someone could help me in knowing if there is a difference between watching (streaming) an owned movie of mine from iTunes vs. watching (streaming) an iTunes rental. I've noticed that when watching a rental if my internet connection is not allowing for the movie to be downloaded fast enough if I pause it the movie will keep downloading and I can let it advance far enough so that I can restart it at a certain point and not have to have sub-HD quality or stoppage of the movie. On the other hand, when I watch my already owned movies when I'm getting a crappy download speed the pause and wait method does not work. The movie just stays at the same point without downloading farther.

Thanks in advance!

Apple TV (4th generation), iOS 10.1.1

Posted on Nov 18, 2016 3:38 PM

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Answer 1

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:17 PM in response to B82Rob

There is no difference. iTunes content is at a fixed rate so it won't be adjusting quality based on connection like a lot of other services do but rather will stop to buffer if it can't load enough in advance.

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Answer 2

B82Rob Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:19 PM in response to vazandrew

Hmmm...if this is so then why is the movie I'm currently trying to watch flipping between HD and a sub-HD quality?

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Answer 3

B82Rob Author

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Nov 18, 2016 4:21 PM in response to vazandrew

And if I pause it should keep loading in advance, correct? It also is not doing that...

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Answer 4

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:22 PM in response to B82Rob

It will only adjust if you are using AirPlay. iTunes content itself does not adjust and that is why it need to load a portion before playback begins and why it will stop to buffer.

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Answer 5

B82Rob Author

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Nov 18, 2016 4:24 PM in response to vazandrew

I swear I'm not using AirPlay either. This is straight from my Apple TV. It does it every time I try and watch my owned iTunes movies. But rented movies do exactly as you're explaining...

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Answer 6

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:30 PM in response to B82Rob

Playback begins immediately and there is no buffering as my connection is fast, but for both if I pause it will advance as it should. Have also not seen other reports of this nature.

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Answer 7

B82Rob Author

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Nov 18, 2016 4:31 PM in response to vazandrew

Is video capable of being put into these forums? I will take a video right now so you can see what I'm talking about.

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Answer 8

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:35 PM in response to B82Rob

I've attached photos, haven't tried videos but you can try. I do understand what you're saying but something else is at play here and is specific to your environment as I can't reproduce and it isn't something that's widespread.

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Answer 9

B82Rob Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:37 PM in response to vazandrew

Yea, I'm not sure what's going on, but it's extremely frustrating. I don't mind pausing my movies to let them "catch up", but the low quality and the inability to pause and catch up is infuriating.

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Answer 10

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:40 PM in response to B82Rob

The best thing would be to go to another location to test or take it to Apple.

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Answer 11

B82Rob Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:41 PM in response to vazandrew

Ok. I'll give the other location a shot and see what happens. Thanks for your help.

If anyone else has any thoughts on this they are welcome!

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Answer 12

B82Rob Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 18, 2016 4:55 PM in response to vazandrew

I think I figured it out. My settings had quick start on, which plays video at the best resolution available without stopping the stream. If you turn it off then it stops until it can play in full HD.

Still doesn't explain why in rentals it was working as if quick start was off, but with owned videos it was working as if quick start was on. But, if this solves the problem I don't really care.

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