iTunes Store question about downloads

[disneysteve]

Any iTunes experts here? If I download an episode of a TV show, can I then burn that file to a DVD to watch on my TV instead of my computer?

 

[my2kidsmom]

Hi,

I just asked my hubby who said "yes, but not easily". The iTunes show can be burned to a DVD, but the format will not be recognized by a free-standing DVD player. You can play the DVD in your computer using iTunes or QuickTime and watch it either on your computer monitor or run it through a computer cable hooked into your TV. But, he said that because the files are really compressed, the image will not look great on a TV screen (probably similar to a VHS image).

Hope this is helpful.
Lisa (& Hubby Chris)

 

[disneysteve]

Thanks Lisa (and Chris). What I wanted to do was download a program for my MIL. She doesn't do the Internet so was wondering if I could get it and give it to her on a DVD. Guess not. I'll just have her watch it at our place.

 

[SarahKate]

The intent is that downloaded TV shows are watched on your computer via iTunes or downloaded onto iPod. I have never tried doing it in another method, such as DVD. I know the capability is there and is doable for tekkies, but I'm not really one of them!

 

[dawnball]

Offically, the answer is no. The DRM agreements allow you to use content on up to 5 authorized computers plus ipods. Unofficially, you may be able to pull something off using VideoLAN. It's not exactly a documented process though, and I've never tried it. So unless you're willing to poke around the specs of various video codecs and raw formats - I'd suggest sticking with the official answer. Typically the manipulations you would need to perform to get it to a DVD would also seriously degrade your video quality.

It would be awfully nice though. Of course, it would be nicer if itunes and the networks were a bit more prompt about getting the new seasons up too.

 

[MyGoofy26]

There are programs that allow you to convert the file and burn, but the quality isn't going to be that great on a TV. Those videos are made to look crisp on a 2 inch screen, so when you try and play it on a bigger screen it doesn't really work too well. I have some that look fantastic on my iPod but when I maximize the screen on my laptop, I can already see it starting to look fuzzy and pixellated.