Apple's Clarification of "free 4K upgrade"

[PTVMan]

This is part of a really good review of Movies Anywhere on the site High-Def Digest:

UPDATE 10/17/17 DIRECTLY FROM APPLE:

Apple is ONLY upgrading **iTunes Store purchases** to 4K. Everything else will stay at the original purchase or redemption resolution, be it 4K or HD.

To clarify...

If you PURCHASED a movie or REDEEMED a Digital Copy IN iTunes AND it's available in iTunes in 4K, you get a free 4K upgrade and will be able to play that back in 4K on the Apple TV 4K.

If you PURCHASED a digital movie in 4K somewhere else, like VUDU, AND it's available in iTunes in 4K, you'll be able to play this title back in 4K on the Apple TV 4K.

If you REDEEMED a Digital Copy code from a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray somewhere else AND it's available in iTunes in 4K AND that specific movie studio allows for 4K redemption on this specific title, you'll be able to play that back in 4K on the Apple TV 4K.

But...

If you PURCHASED an HD version of a movie on VUDU, or one of the other streaming services, it will only playback in HD even when there is a 4K copy available in iTunes.

If you REDEEMED a Digital Copy from an HD Blu-ray in Movies Anywhere or VUDU or Ultraviolet, it will playback in HD even when there is a 4K copy available in iTunes. Please also note that some studios sell 4K Blu-rays with "HD" Digital Copies included.

With that said, it's still not always easy to actually check the resolution of redeemed titles -- especially since 4K HDR copies are only supported through certain equipment. For example, looking at my iTunes library on a Windows PC shows everything as being in HD. Likewise, since the Apple TV 4K upscales everything to HDR, it's not always a reliable way to determine what native version you own either. Instead, users might need to check the iTunes Store or TV app on their iOS 11 devices to see if the titles are listed as native 4K HDR or Dolby Vision.

To check the playback resolution of a movie on your Apple TV 4K, swipe down on your remote during playback; this reveals an INFO tab along with the playback resolution. Keep in mind that you can't check on your display because the Apple TV 4K is set up to output at one constant resolution based on your display's capabilities.

Finally, though I didn't experience any major delays when redeeming titles, some of my colleagues and our readers have experienced some hiccups in that regard. Our editor, Michael S. Palmer, noted a 32-36 hour delay before his redeemed copy of War for the Planet of the Apes was added to iTunes. Later redemptions for Bridge on the River Kwai & Close Encounters through MoviesAnywhere.com were instant across all the apps, though, so it looks like the delays are being fixed.

 

[GizmoDVD]

Interesting. Well some of mine are 4k even though I redeemed a HD code ok VUDU. Whatever. Fine by me.

 

[billyfcc]

I’ve noticed that UV movies I bought in SD are upgraded to HD in iTunes. Anyone else notice this?

 

[archer75]

I've read that people who have an HD code redeemed elsewhere and it's available in 4k on itunes are getting a 2kish copy with HDR on itunes.

 

[Larsennet]

For those that think your getting HD upgraded to 4K. The only way to tell is from playing it on a 4K AppleTV and swipe down as was listed above. It will show 4K tags because 4K is "available", you can ignore them because they are false.

My issue is Apple needs to show what we own and not be deceitful about it. It should clearly state all we have is HD for HD ported titles. The other issue is how do you upgrade, it shows purchased? That needs to be fixed. I've read that some have hid the movie and then it show available to purchase but then when you try it says already purchased but I haven't tried myself. 4K is a mess on itunes right now.

 

[mmm1345]

Pretty disappointed in Apple this entire ATV 4K is a poorly thought out product at best. At worst Apple purposefully mislead people by implying that all their purchases would be automatically upgrade where possible and they furthur blur the lines by fooling people in I'm tired of being Apple's guinea pig. They are just coasting on their past and the fact that some of us are locked into iTunes. But I'm about done with them. I think I am going to give Android a proper try for my next phone and may try and give Windows 10 a real try.

For those that think your getting HD upgraded to 4K. The only way to tell is from playing it on a 4K AppleTV and swipe down as was listed above. It will show 4K tags because 4K is "available", you can ignore them because they are false.

My issue is Apple needs to show what we own and not be deceitful about it. It should clearly state all we have is HD for HD ported titles. The other issue is how do you upgrade, it shows purchased? That needs to be fixed. I've read that some have hid the movie and then it show available to purchase but then when you try it says already purchased but I haven't tried myself. 4K is a mess on itunes right now.

Totally agree. This makes Apple seem Shady. I was so excited to see that some of my Vudu only titles ported were getting the 4K/HDR Treatment. But when I swiped down, I was kind of pissed to find out it was only delivering the HD Version. It unnecessarily confuses the situation and fools their users into thinking they are actually playing 4K/HDR when in fact they aren't. It's just the TV upscaling it. And it's even worse when you buy titles on iTunes like Baby Driver or Prometheus in 4K/HDR then two days later it switches to HD.

I no longer have any faith or trust in Apple when it comes to purchasing content. I'd rather pay the extra money and get 4k/Dolby Vision UHD or buy it on Vudu (since they now basically match iTunes) then at least there I know it won't mysteriously change overnight and I get what I pay for. Apple's "so what" attitude regarding this is also pretty disgusting.

I'm about done with Apple. I'm going to try and get the iPhone X next week, but if I can't I'll be switching to Android and we'll see what I'll do now that my iPad Air just randomly stopped working. Under Tim Cooke they can't seem to release a bug free product anymore, I'm tired of being an Apple Guinea Pig. Ironic since I said I want the iPhone X but my 6s has also been kind of buggy lately - I think my battery is dying.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

Pretty disappointed in Apple this entire ATV 4K is a poorly thought out product at best. At worst Apple purposefully mislead people by implying that all their purchases would be automatically upgrade where possible and they furthur blur the lines by fooling people in I'm tired of being Apple's guinea pig. They are just coasting on their past and the fact that some of us are locked into iTunes. But I'm about done with them. I think I am going to give Android a proper try for my next phone and may try and give Windows 10 a real try.


Totally agree. This makes Apple seem Shady. I was so excited to see that some of my Vudu only titles ported were getting the 4K/HDR Treatment. But when I swiped down, I was kind of pissed to find out it was only delivering the HD Version. It unnecessarily confuses the situation and fools their users into thinking they are actually playing 4K/HDR when in fact they aren't. It's just the TV upscaling it. And it's even worse when you buy titles on iTunes like Baby Driver or Prometheus in 4K/HDR then two days later it switches to HD.

I no longer have any faith or trust in Apple when it comes to purchasing content. I'd rather pay the extra money and get 4k/Dolby Vision UHD or buy it on Vudu (since they now basically match iTunes) then at least there I know it won't mysteriously change overnight and I get what I pay for. Apple's "so what" attitude regarding this is also pretty disgusting.

I'm about done with Apple. I'm going to try and get the iPhone X next week, but if I can't I'll be switching to Android and we'll see what I'll do now that my iPad Air just randomly stopped working. Under Tim Cooke they can't seem to release a bug free product anymore, I'm tired of being an Apple Guinea Pig. Ironic since I said I want the iPhone X but my 6s has also been kind of buggy lately - I think my battery is dying.

As Richard Gere said in Pretty Woman "Stores(business) are never nice to people, they are nice to credit cards".
27 years later and so true. You just have to remember, the people operate for your money that you earn. They are not your friend. As proved to me last week, they couldn't care less - they want your money. They are greedy fat cats and that's why the world is in such a horrible mess. But you are in control. You are the one voting with your wallet. Either buy elsewhere or better, buy less!
[doublepost=1508411814][/doublepost]MMM - I've always thought of ATV and of course streaming as brilliant for non-critical, casual viewing. Super for AirPlaying short HD video, Youtube vlogs, etc. However, you sound as though you want the absolute best and IMO, an Oppo 203 or Panasonic UHD BluRay player playing a BluRay disc would probably make you far happier. I use the ATV for films but I do feel that i've stepped 10 steps back when it comes to picture judder on panning and the occasional freeze/buffer of the film. I see it as a casual device, perfect for a guy like me who watches a film once a week. But for the real film guys who demand the best, no way, not this year anyway, that's BluRay I guess.

Don't waste your life, time and energy being upset about it, it's a 'casual' product - move on and enjoy another route!

 

[mmm1345]

As Richard Gere said in Pretty Woman "Stores(business) are never nice to people, they are nice to credit cards".
27 years later and so true. You just have to remember, the people operate for your money that you earn. They are not your friend. As proved to me last week, they couldn't care less - they want your money. They are greedy fat cats and that's why the world is in such a horrible mess. But you are in control. You are the one voting with your wallet. Either buy elsewhere or better, buy less!
[doublepost=1508411814][/doublepost]MMM - I've always thought of ATV and of course streaming as brilliant for non-critical, casual viewing. Super for AirPlaying short HD video, Youtube vlogs, etc. However, you sound as though you want the absolute best and IMO, an Oppo 203 or Panasonic UHD BluRay player playing a BluRay disc would probably make you far happier. I use the ATV for films but I do feel that i've stepped 10 steps back when it comes to picture judder on panning and the occasional freeze/buffer of the film. I see it as a casual device, perfect for a guy like me who watches a film once a week. But for the real film guys who demand the best, no way, not this year anyway, that's BluRay I guess.

Don't waste your life, time and energy being upset about it, it's a 'casual' product - move on and enjoy another route!

I don't want or need the absolute "best," but I do have an OLED TV and Sammy UHD Player but I also love my ATV 4. I purchased a $200 Streaming Device on the promise of 4K/HDR content, along with FREE 4k/HDR Upgrades. This was the entire point of the ATV 4K. My anger and outrage has NOTHING to do with me wanting the "Best," it's me being, apparently being unreasonable enough to expect to get what I PAID for.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

I don't want or need the absolute "best," but I do have an OLED TV and Sammy UHD Player but I also love my ATV 4. I purchased a $200 Streaming Device on the promise of 4K/HDR content, along with FREE 4k/HDR Upgrades. This was the entire point of the ATV 4K. My anger and outrage has NOTHING to do with me wanting the "Best," it's me being, apparently being unreasonable enough to expect to get what I PAID for.

Point taken MMM but when I saw little Eddy talking about the 4K upgrade, my first thought was 'McDonalds Happy Meal Upgrade'. Nothing seems 'to be free' with Apple in the context. In fact, we got a 20% price increase on everything last year and our iTunes rentals increased three weeks ago to £5.49 which I won't pay.

It's early days for Apple with the ATV 4K and iTunes and thy certainly have a few issues to address. I don't think that they'll ever add an automatic HDR to SDR switching though - it goes against their design decision. They'll merely tweak the SDR to HDR performance - a bit like when the iPhone 4 launched and apps did not shine with the Retina display. Would be nice to have auto 24p sensing though. Jerky films look really horrible. Heck, we did not have that even with VHS!!!

 

[mmm1345]

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[doublepost=1508417685][/doublepost]

Point taken MMM but when I saw little Eddy talking about the 4K upgrade, my first thought was 'McDonalds Happy Meal Upgrade'. Nothing seems 'to be free' with Apple in the context. In fact, we got a 20% price increase on everything last year and our iTunes rentals increased three weeks ago to £5.49 which I won't pay.

It's early days for Apple with the ATV 4K and iTunes and thy certainly have a few issues to address. I don't think that they'll ever add an automatic HDR to SDR switching though - it goes against their design decision. They'll merely tweak the SDR to HDR performance - a bit like when the iPhone 4 launched and apps did not shine with the Retina display. Would be nice to have auto 24p sensing though. Jerky films look really horrible. Heck, we did not have that even with VHS!!!

Problem is my trust in iTunes is now forever broken and I have no faith in it anymore. Why should I believe that the 4k content I buy today will be available TOMORROW, that alone years from now? I'd probably just rent stuff going forward instead of buying it like I like.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

.....
[doublepost=1508417685][/doublepost]

Problem is my trust in iTunes is now forever broken and I have no faith in it anymore. Why should I believe that the 4k content I buy today will be available TOMORROW, that alone years from now? I'd probably just rent stuff going forward instead of buying it like I like.

Exactly and that's how I feel after their 'Oh well, buy it again sucker' attitude. I rent from iTunes when they have offers on, Amazon, buy the occasional film when it's on offer for casual viewing but I'm buying and keeping my all time favourite films on BluRay. iTunes is what it is, fast turnaround, OK'ish basic quality but rather soulless - a bit like making spaghetti bolognaise but not fresh instead it comes from sauce jars.

 

[mmm1345]

Exactly and that's how I feel after their 'Oh well, buy it again sucker' attitude. I rent from iTunes when they have offers on, Amazon, buy the occasional film when it's on offer for casual viewing but I'm buying and keeping my all time favourite films on BluRay. iTunes is what it is, fast turnaround, OK'ish basic quality but rather soulless - a bit like making spaghetti bolognaise but not fresh instead it comes from sauce jars.

the convenience of impulse buying a movie for $5 and $10 is hard to beat. Last week I bought Blade Runner, a movie I hate just because it was $10. My problem with renting is, if it ends up being a movie I really like then I would end up buying it anyway. So instead of spending $14, then it's $20. So I'll always prefer to just buy something when it's under $20.

 

[piperatthegates]

I’ve noticed that UV movies I bought in SD are upgraded to HD in iTunes. Anyone else notice this?

My copy of "The Town" did this. It's nice. But like another user pointed out. Now I can't upgrade it to 4K if I wanted to.

 

[archer75]

the convenience of impulse buying a movie for $5 and $10 is hard to beat. Last week I bought Blade Runner, a movie I hate just because it was $10. My problem with renting is, if it ends up being a movie I really like then I would end up buying it anyway. So instead of spending $14, then it's $20. So I'll always prefer to just buy something when it's under $20.

I use camelcamelcamel to monitor amazon prices. Then I put 4k discs on the list and set a price i'm willing to pay. The system emails me when the item reaches the price I set. So then I get the disc, full quality, and none of these streaming issues, and at a price i'm willing to pay. Granted I have to wait a bit but i'm ok with that. If it's something I really want to see there are other options for the short term. You can buy movie codes online at a number of places for cheap.

Personally I would never pay more than $10 for a UHD movie on a streaming service. A few bucks for a cheap code yes, otherwise i'll just get the disc on sale.

If you buy it in UHD on vudu it will transfer to itunes as UHD if itunes has a UHD copy available.

Clearly apple is having some growing pains with the content. 4k disappearing and then coming back a couple days later. You should always get what you paid for. I just wonder what's going on. Is it a problem with the encode they need to fix? An issue with the studio?

 

[GizmoDVD]

I don't want or need the absolute "best," but I do have an OLED TV and Sammy UHD Player but I also love my ATV 4. I purchased a $200 Streaming Device on the promise of 4K/HDR content, along with FREE 4k/HDR Upgrades. This was the entire point of the ATV 4K. My anger and outrage has NOTHING to do with me wanting the "Best," it's me being, apparently being unreasonable enough to expect to get what I PAID for.

What did they promise that you didn't get? You got FREE 4K upgrades for movies bought/redeemed on iTunes. That's whats been happening since day 1

Just because MA entered the picture does not mean Apple lied. MA is a different beast and by moving movies from VUDU to iTunes you didn't BUY them on iTunes.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

I use camelcamelcamel to monitor amazon prices. Then I put 4k discs on the list and set a price i'm willing to pay. The system emails me when the item reaches the price I set. So then I get the disc, full quality, and none of these streaming issues, and at a price i'm willing to pay. Granted I have to wait a bit but i'm ok with that. If it's something I really want to see there are other options for the short term. You can buy movie codes online at a number of places for cheap.

Personally I would never pay more than $10 for a UHD movie on a streaming service. A few bucks for a cheap code yes, otherwise i'll just get the disc on sale.

If you buy it in UHD on vudu it will transfer to itunes as UHD if itunes has a UHD copy available.

Clearly apple is having some growing pains with the content. 4k disappearing and then coming back a couple days later. You should always get what you paid for. I just wonder what's going on. Is it a problem with the encode they need to fix? An issue with the studio?

Ha, I do exactly the same. I have a iTunes wish list that I look through from time to time. If they go on offer, I buy if not, they stay on the list for... ever I guess

 

[Agent2015]

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[doublepost=1508417685][/doublepost]

Problem is my trust in iTunes is now forever broken and I have no faith in it anymore. Why should I believe that the 4k content I buy today will be available TOMORROW, that alone years from now? I'd probably just rent stuff going forward instead of buying it like I like.

MMM you truly sound depressed. The Apple ecosystem is exacerbating your life. By all means if I were you I would immediately start life in the Android/Windows world and never look back. Whatever you do, do not buy that iPhone X as it will only worsen your trust in Apple since it will come half baked and full of defects. As for me I am a realistic and happy customer living in the Apple ecosystem. I am thoroughly enjoying my new ATV 4K with the included free upgrades to 4K/HDR something I was not expecting. My new iPhone 8 Plus is joy and I am looking forward to the iPhone X assuming I can get one ordered on October 27. Perhaps as someone said, I am just a "casual" user but I have been on the other side platform-wise especially in the pc world and by living in Apple ecosystem I am simply able to enjoy my life with the stability that macOS, iOS and tvOS provides. Good luck in your future adventures.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

MMM you truly sound depressed. The Apple ecosystem is exacerbating your life. By all means if I were you I would immediately start life in the Android/Windows world and never look back. Whatever you do, do not buy that iPhone X as it will only worsen your trust in Apple since it will come half baked and full of defects. As for me I am a realistic and happy customer living in the Apple ecosystem. I am thoroughly enjoying my new ATV 4K with the included free upgrades to 4K/HDR something I was not expecting. My new iPhone 8 Plus is joy and I am looking forward to the iPhone X assuming I can get one ordered on October 27. Perhaps as someone said, I am just a "casual" user but I have been on the other side platform-wise especially in the pc world and by living in Apple ecosystem I am simply able to enjoy my life with the stability that macOS, iOS and tvOS provides. Good luck in your future adventures.

Maybe MMM should sell his TV and come surfing with me in the great outdoors, you can come too Agent2015 my surfing spots aren't secret! - but leave that big plus phone at your home I'm sure that you'll agree that most of the time, it's brilliant to get away from technology

 

[Agent2015]

Maybe MMM should sell his TV and come surfing with me in the great outdoors, you can come too Agent2015 my surfing spots aren't secret! - but leave that big plus phone at your home I'm sure that you'll agree that most of the time, it's brilliant to get away from technology

BODYBUILDERPAUL I'm all in on some off the technology grid surfing. As a recovering mountain biker I could use some waves in some real water. But better have have some patience with this desert rat! haha

 

[mmm1345]

Maybe MMM should sell his TV and come surfing with me in the great outdoors, you can come too Agent2015 my surfing spots aren't secret! - but leave that big plus phone at your home I'm sure that you'll agree that most of the time, it's brilliant to get away from technology

and get my arm or leg bitten off by a shark? Or have Jason kill me in the cabin, or trapped in a deep cavern for 21 days. no thanks. All horror movies start with the phrase "Let's get away from our troubles..." and yes, I kind of hate technology. It's why I like to go over seas for my "vacation" no internet and no data.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

BODYBUILDERPAUL I'm all in on some off the technology grid surfing. As a recovering mountain biker I could use some waves in some real water. But better have have some patience with this desert rat! haha

HA INCREDIBLE. Mountain Biking is a life long passion of mine! I ride around 12,000miles a year! Can't live without it!
[doublepost=1508499710][/doublepost]

and get my arm or leg bitten off by a shark? Or have Jason kill me in the cabin, or trapped in a deep cavern for 21 days. no thanks. All horror movies start with the phrase "Let's get away from our troubles..." and yes, I kind of hate technology. It's why I like to go over seas for my "vacation" no internet and no data.

Haha MMM, you really have been watching too many movies Only sharks in Australia or South Africa / Africa. Stay near to the dolphins, they keep the sharks away!
Yes I agree about the internet. I always delete my social media apps from the phone when on holiday and leave it in flight mode! Only used for the camera and music player

 

[mmm1345]

HA INCREDIBLE. Mountain Biking is a life long passion of mine! I ride around 12,000miles a year! Can't live without it!
[doublepost=1508499710][/doublepost]

Haha MMM, you really have been watching too many movies Only sharks in Australia or South Africa / Africa. Stay near to the dolphins, they keep the sharks away!
Yes I agree about the internet. I always delete my social media apps from the phone when on holiday and leave it in flight mode! Only used for the camera and music player

I took a month long break from FB and the internet a few months ago and all of a sudden I found all my entertainment and technology to be so much more enjoyable. I'll have to do that again in the near future.

 

[ctbaz]

Does anyone know if you buy the 4k version on iTunes if it transfers to other providers as 4k?

 

[Mac 128]

My copy of "The Town" did this. It's nice. But like another user pointed out. Now I can't upgrade it to 4K if I wanted to.

Yes this is a problem. Apple is showing me HD movies that I redeemed via Ultraviolet in my Vudu account. Now on iTunes, I see those movies listed as 4K, but it's only allowing HD streaming, and there does not seem to be any way to upgrade the movie to 4K if I wanted to.

 

[Mac 128]

I’ve noticed that UV movies I bought in SD are upgraded to HD in iTunes. Anyone else notice this?

Are we sure that it actually is updating SD copies to HD? When I swipe down on the ATV remote, it doesn't indicate SD, or HD. The only movies it seems to give any indication on are the 4K movies when they are playing at HD. My HD and SD movies don't seem to provide any indication. I just have to eyeball it, and with a good SD transfer it's hard to tell without a side-by-side comparison.

It seems to me, after doing a little research that instead of doing Blu-ray editions, many studios are offering HD copies for online sales only. Maybe that's what's happening here?