In the interest of trying out the new Apple TV features we rented Michael Clayton a couple of nights ago. We’re finally getting around to watching it tonight. It’s paused while B. takes a call, so I’ll go ahead and report.
It’s pretty easy to find a movie using the built-in navigator. On some movies you have the option to view the high definition version for an extra buck (which we did). At that point it accesses your Apple Store/iTunes account to make the transaction. Apparently, the first time you do this you have to connect to the iTunes Store on a computer to verify the change to your account. I’m not sure what change I made but I think it was when I told Apple TV to remember my password. Anyway, after I verified the change I went back to Apple TV and repeated my choice to download the HD version.
At that point, downloading starts. I have no idea how long it took to download, but after about four or five minutes it was ready to start streaming. If I rent this way again I might try this option to see how well it works–on this Thursday, though, we went to bed instead.
Fast forward to this evening: We queued the movie up and began playback. The HD version’s picture and sound are both great. The picture quality is 720p, which is the same for most (all?) HD television (Blu Ray is technically much higher quality, at 1080p). The sound is 5.1 stereo, giving my surround sound system a workout. Playback has been flawless.
Again, I’m doubtful that we’ll make regular use of this feature but I must admit it’s nice to have. It’s very easy to use–just be ready to jump to a computer to confirm your account the first time.
