Angry Puppy

Our two wishes for the AppleTV (that would require only a software upgrade) were granted today at the Macworld Keynote.

• Direct access to the iTunes store
• Video rentals

We’ll give you a full review in a couple of weeks when the software update becomes available, but in the meantime, here are some details:

• Rentals will be $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases. HD versions of either cost $1 more: $3.99 and $4.99, respectively.
• Lots of studios are involved, including: 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Lionsgate and New Line Cinema.
• Rentals are valid for up to thirty days after rental. However, like my DVRs VOD service, files will auto-delete 24 hours after being started.
• 1000 titles are expected by the end of February, some with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound

Just as the rumors said, DVDs from Fox marked “iTunes Digital Copy” will now include an iTunes compatible copy on the disk. It can be imported into only one iTunes library, but from there can be played an unlimited number of times (you own it, after all) on your compatible iPod, PC, Mac or AppleTV.

Drink some Kool-Aid and watch the official Guided Tour on the Apple site.