So is this why iTunes doesn't have Avatar HD?

[puggsly]

Wow there is a lot of misunderstanding about iTunes videos.

1) Avatar is currently available for Rent in HD on iTunes via AppleTV only.
2) iTunes doesn't exactly stream. It would be more accurate to say it will start playing early. iTunes always downloads the video but as soon as enough video has been downloaded so that it will finish before you finish watching it will start playing. So you need about 1.5Mbits to watch instantly in Standard Def or about 4-5Mbits to stream HD content instantly.
3) iTunes uses H.264 which is 2-3 times as efficient as Mpeg 2.
4) iTunes uses 5.1 Dolby Digital audio
5) iTunes HD is 24 fps @ upto 720p. Most videos are not actually 16:9 exactly so 720p defines the outter bounds. Basically it will deliver 1280x??? depending on actual video ratio. For example T2 HD is 1280x540 and T2 SD is 853 x 360.

Blu-ray has the quality edge but iTunes looks great and can be used on many devices, making it my preference. I can legally have a movie like Avatar on my computer (and up to 4 others) an unlimited number of AppleTV's connected to those computers and an unlimited number of iPod, iPad, iPhones connected to those computers. All for 1 price.

I'm just trying to clear the air.