iTunes to rent out movies

Apple is trying to persuade film studios to allow then to offer movies for rent via iTunes. The rental service would be a direct challenge to cable and satellite TV operators.

Apple already has deals with Walt Disney and Paramount to sell their movies via a download, but other studios are reluctant to strike similar deals due to the negative impact on DVD sales the downloads may have. However they may be more open to the prospect of movies rentals via the internet.

It is suggested that movies would cost US$3 for a 30-day rental, with the ability to transfer the movie to another device such as an iPod. Software would prevent the movie from being copied.

Another shrewd move by Apple if they pull it off. With a lot of people using PCs as a home entertainment unit, what could be easier than downloading your movie rentals straight to the unit. However how long would it be before a hacker breaks the software? ;)

Source: Mac Rumours