*NOTE: I am only a wannabe tech junkie, and this post reflects only my opinion and my understanding of select Engadget readings. Â If you are a true-blue techie, please be kind on my post. Â And post your own opinions in the comments section. Â They are appreciated*
First and foremost: I find myself watching America’s Got Talent for the first time…ever. Â And none of these folks have a smidge of talent. Â Though Howie Mandel is highly entertaining as a judge.
Anyway, I digress.
I have recently been tuned into the benefits of Amazon Video (NOT because of America’s Got Talent). Â There are some differences between the two, but let me break it down for you all:
Software
Both versions require their own software downloads.  Apple’s iTunes is ubiquitous among Apple users/media downloaders, whereas Amazon’s Unbox is relatively unknown.  However, both have excellent user interfaces.  I particularly like the cached approach that Amazon uses for its television seasons, but iTunes achieves the same through its various user views.  iTunes has been around longer, and more people are used to it.
Win: iTunes
Price
Amazon and iTunes both price their episodes at $1.99 per episode and $2.99 per HD episode, but iTunes prices a season at a fixed price, whereas Amazon prices the season at a $0.10 discount per episode for a season purchase. Â In case your favorite show should find itself axed in the middle of the season, Amazon’s pricing is far friendlier to the end consumer.
Win: Tie. Â For the regular hits, use iTunes. Â For the cult favorites, pick Amazon.
Devices
Apple allows its downloaded media to play on 5 devices. Â Amazon gives two media downloads and two streaming devices for its downloaded media. Â If you’re a self-respecting Engadget reader, you know that streaming is the new way to go.
Win: Amazon. Â Apple, better catch up with subscription services on media. Â Soon.
Quality
Buy standard if you only plan to watch on the computer. Â Buy HD if that floats your boat. Â The pricing is pretty much the same.
Win: Amazon. Â Only because Amazon comes out slightly cheaper
Overall
With how common streaming media and TVs with internet connectivity have become, Amazon’s offering is far more attractive than Apple’s, which would require an Apple TV device or HDMI cords to view the iTunes-purchased media. Â The upcoming Windows/Droid-based PC tablets support Flash (unlike the iPad, which is strictly HTML5-supported) and will support Amazon as well as iTunes formats, whereas Apple only supports its own. Â Pricing is equitable, if not less expensive, on Amazon versus iTunes. Â Amazon appears to have a more diverse selection of content (TV shows, movies, workout videos) than iTunes, especially in the exercise video category (which is key to me). Â Some DVD purchases on Amazon also offer a free download as well…impressive. Â Amazon audio downloads directly into iTunes in addition to other media formats, while iTunes is restricted to its own program. Â Granted, this post is dedicated to video, but when it comes down to it…Amazon wins for the hybrid PC/Apple user.
You Appleholics, keep on keepin’ on. Â And hope that Apple will understand the beauty of hosted services.
