Quick question Itunes movie rentals - When available?

[Anthony]

Anyone catch when this is supposed to be offered to use? Downloaded the itunes update but got nothing...

[Drew]

I think that you can only order through the Apple TV device. Not sure though.

[TheTominator]

In the keynote, Steve said "iTunes movie rentals launches today." He then clarified that in the US it launches today and later this year internationally.

Rental can be done directly via iTunes on your computer. (No Apple TV required.)

[BillMac]

I don't see a "rent" button anywhere yet, even after the upgrade.

[Kramerica]

Me neither, although I see a "Top Rentals" list on the right hand side. If I click them, I only have the option to buy.

The Apple TV functionality isn't coming for a couple weeks, but we're supposed to have the option in iTunes now.

[Done]

I did see a couple for rent but that is it, example you can rent Ratatouille. I was thinking something was wrong on my end too but I did find a few.

[Anthony]

That's what I'm saying, not the best way to premier a hyped and brand new service!
I want to try it out.

Edit: Okay, they're posting more and more rentals as they go. Tried it this afternoon and there were none, this evening, lots.

[Mac1337]

Are they DVD quality? MPEG-2 or H.264?

[TheTominator]

[quote Dakota]Are they DVD quality? MPEG-2 or H.264?
They are H.264.
All video content on iTunes is H.264.

[michaelb]

Where are you seeing lots of movie rentals? I saw one page, maybe 20 tops.

Although itunes store is pretty good for searching for specific music, navigating around looking for TV shows and movies is pretty awkward and so they need to streamline it so that people can easily scroll through movies by new releases and by genre, and certainly not have movies to buy mixed in there.