The DTV transition may have unintended effects on consumer preference for antenna broadcasting. In a report by Harris Corporation, 55 percent of respondents were considering canceling their cable or satellite service altogether in favor of over-the-air, free, HD broadcasting through antennas.
Amazon has officially announced “Instant HD” videos on its online streaming service. Users can now watch a selection of over 500 HD movies and TV shows available on Amazon.com. HD movies are selling for $3.99 to $4.99, while an episode of an HD TV shows is selling for $2.99.
PBS’ HD On-demand programming service will be available to Comcast subscribers in a move to offer up even more programming to its digital cable customers. Many popular shows from PBS will be available On Demand, including “History Detectives”, “Nova”, “Antiques Roadshow”, and “Masterpiece”.
Amazon’s video-on-demand service will soon be offering high-def TV episodes to the public. These will cost $2.99, and standard definition shows will cost $1.99.
Apple announced that iTunes customers can now download, to purchase or rent, HD versions of some of today’s top blockbusters. Within 30 days of their release, new movies will be available in the iTunes Movie Rentals in HD store for $4.99, and they will also be available to purchase for $19.99.