iTunes and Automatic 4K Upgrades

[chips99]

I know in the past I've read that Apple upgrades HD content to 4K for "free" if the titles are purchased on iTunes and the content later comes out in 4K. Not all studios do this, but I believe most do through iTunes and it's automatic.

My question is, does this also apply to digital codes that have been redeemed?

I've read this article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202915 and it sounds like it applies for purchases only, but I want to make sure that's correct.

I'm guessing the answer would be no, a digital copy will not be "upgraded" for free. For example if I have an HD code for a title and redeem it through Movies Anywhere and it passes along HD rights, those would never be upgraded to 4K by the iTunes auto upgrade program correct?

Would there be a chance of it upgrading if I redeemed the digital code directly on iTunes?

If I have my iTunes account connected to Movies Anywhere and would redeem the code through iTunes do those rights then pass back through to Movie Anywhere and flow through to my other connected services too?

Sorry for all the questions, still really new to understanding the world of digital rights when it comes to Movies Anywhere and how the entitlements flow and possibly get upgraded. Thanks!

[kwr212]

4K upgrades apply if you directly redeem in HD on iTunes. SD codes do not upgrade to 4K and HD codes redeemed in Movies Anywhere do not upgrade in iTunes.

If something HD upgrades at time of redemption in iTunes to 4K, it will go to MA in 4K. If it redeems in HD and later gets upgraded, it will upgrade to 4K in iTunes but stay in HD on Movies Anywhere.

[chips99]

Originally Posted by kwr212

4K upgrades apply if you directly redeem in HD on iTunes. SD codes do not upgrade to 4K and HD codes redeemed in Movies Anywhere do not upgrade in iTunes.

If something HD upgrades at time of redemption in iTunes to 4K, it will go to MA in 4K. If it redeems in HD and later gets upgraded, it will upgrade to 4K in iTunes but stay in HD on Movies Anywhere.

Thank you, that helps tremendously!

[The Watcher 69]

Apologies if this is off-topic, but does Apple have a different policy on TV shows? A couple of series I've purchased in SD haven't auto-upgraded to HD.

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by The Watcher 69

Apologies if this is off-topic, but does Apple have a different policy on TV shows? A couple of series I've purchased in SD haven't auto-upgraded to HD.

No SD purchases upgrade to HD.

[-Gonzo-]

Originally Posted by The Watcher 69

Apologies if this is off-topic, but does Apple have a different policy on TV shows? A couple of series I've purchased in SD haven't auto-upgraded to HD.

As mentioned by steve_dave, there are no SD to HD upgrades because in iTunes you have two different quality options available to buy, SD and Higher Quality.
You buy SD then unfortunately that’s all you’ll get.

[ps3bd_owner]

Originally Posted by -Gonzo-

As mentioned by steve_dave, there are no SD to HD upgrades because in iTunes you have two different quality options available to buy, SD and Higher Quality.
You buy SD then unfortunately that’s all you’ll get.

And they're cheaper for a reason, but at the same time can be pricier when the customer realizes he wants a superior version and ends up buying it again.

[The Watcher 69]

Thanks for the clarification folks. Bit of a bummer because SD was all that was available at the time of purchase, and they now have HD at the same price point.

With 4K movies, should we count on free upgrades to 8K if that time ever comes?

[bladerunner1]

I had a weird situation with a old Fury Road BD code. Initially redeemed in Vudu when it first came out - heard it could be redeemed in iTunes for 4K, tried it and didn't work. Redeemed it in MA and it gave me 4K everywhere.

[cmcclure16]

Originally Posted by bladerunner1

I had a weird situation with a old Fury Road BD code. Initially redeemed in Vudu when it first came out - heard it could be redeemed in iTunes for 4K, tried it and didn't work. Redeemed it in MA and it gave me 4K everywhere.

I believe all Fury Road BD codes actually redeemed 4K in MA. Weird that it let you redeem it a second time though.

[kannibaliztik]

Originally Posted by The Watcher 69

Thanks for the clarification folks. Bit of a bummer because SD was all that was available at the time of purchase, and they now have HD at the same price point.

With 4K movies, should we count on free upgrades to 8K if that time ever comes?

I woulnd't worry about that too much, as it's not coming anytime soon, probably ever.

[jdavhill]

I’ve had digital codes that have upgraded to 4K, it just depends on the studio and how old the code is.

For example: Back to the Future which was purchased back in the early 2010s upgraded to 4K when that set came out. Same with Gone Girl and a few others.

However, The Force Awakens did NOT upgrade to 4K, nor did The Dark Knight Rises.

[Alan Gordon]

Originally Posted by jdavhill

I’ve had digital codes that have upgraded to 4K, it just depends on the studio and how old the code is.

For example: Back to the Future which was purchased back in the early 2010s upgraded to 4K when that set came out. Same with Gone Girl and a few others.

However, The Force Awakens did NOT upgrade to 4K, nor did The Dark Knight Rises.

"The Dark Knight Rises" came with a UV code, not an iTunes.

"The Dark Knight" came with an SD iTunes code if that's what you meant. It wouldn't have been eligible for 4K upgrade.

The Force Awakens SHOULD'VE upgraded to 4K. Are you sure you didn't redeem it at DMA or DMR?

[kannibaliztik]

Originally Posted by jdavhill

I’ve had digital codes that have upgraded to 4K, it just depends on the studio and how old the code is.

For example: Back to the Future which was purchased back in the early 2010s upgraded to 4K when that set came out. Same with Gone Girl and a few others.

However, The Force Awakens did NOT upgrade to 4K, nor did The Dark Knight Rises.

depends if it was an HD code redeemed into itunes, thats what upgrades to 4K.