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Need Netflix Worry Over Apple's Movie Rentals?

I disagree with your assertion that Apples intent with the movie rentals is simply to spur more hardware sales. I see no evidence of that at all in fact. That's simply your opinion. Period. The evidence however shows that Apple has made significant $$$ from music downloads and hopes to do the same with movie rentals. Also, you fail to mention Steve Jobs himself has stated in interviews 1) the initial 1000 movie titles will quickly grow to many many more and 2) the 30 day wait period will eventually be done away with as studios become more comfortable with digital movie rentals as a viable revenue source replacing dvds. Your article has a decided netflix "slant" that doesn't really see things objectively. Another point you fail to mention: Apple is offering HD downloads: Netflix does not. Also, while Netflix has announced a coming "box" with LG to put movies on tv's, Apple has it now with AppleTV. Apple is a step ahead of Netflix in all ways except for the number of movies in its catalogue...a situation that will change soon enough i can guarantee you. It's exactly the same situation as when itunes first started, and now just about everyone is aboard.

A last point, and something that is actually VERY appealing to people is the ability to take the same digital movie download and choose whether you want to watch it on your tv, your ipod, your iphone or what have you. That's HUGE. It's the only service that enables you to use the same service for both home tv hd rentals AND portable downloads to take with you on trips or wherever. That's a value added that MANY will pick Apple over all the others for. Any addition Ipod or Iphone sales they make is just gravy.