Purchased movies say "watch" instead of "download."

Question

Recently, after deleting a movie from my iPad Air, I would try to download the same movie, but the only option is the "watch" option. I have the settings to show only downloaded movies, not all movies. I can download the movie if I change the setting to show all movies. My problem is, I would like to download the SD version of the movie instead of the HD version. I've tried to search in iTunes, choose the movie and select the SD version, but it only shows WATCH. Why does my iPad think the movies are still on my device?

Answer 1

Hello there, aandrewjulie.
The following Knowledge Base article offers up how to choose SD content for sync and download to your iOS device:
iTunes Store: Viewing and downloading HD content on iPad
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4095
If you prefer to sync SD video content to iPad:
With iPad connected to your computer, select it on the left side of the iTunes window.
Click the Summary Tab.
Scroll down to the Options section and select the checkbox for "Prefer standard definition videos."
Now when you sync videos to iPad, only SD versions will be synced.
To undo your change, simply repeat the above steps and uncheck the box next to "Prefer standard definition videos."
If you don't sync using your computer then the following article provides the optiosn for doing this directly from your iPad:
iTunes: Sync purchased HD videos to iPod or iOS device
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts4223
Download previously purchased content in a lower resolution
The easiest way to put purchased videos onto your device is to download the videos from iTunes in the Cloud. This should make sure that you get the highest resolution video optimized for your specific device. Learn more about downloading from iTunes in the Cloud.
Syncing video to iPhone 3G or earlier, iPod touch (1st or 2nd generation), iPod classic, iPod 5th generation, or iPod nano (3rd, 4th, or 5th generation)
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. You can download the latest version for free here.
Open iTunes on your computer.
From the Store menu, choose Store > Sign In, and then enter your Apple ID and password.
Navigate to your Purchased page. Find it by clicking Movies or TV Shows from the top navigation bar in the iTunes Store, and then click Purchased from "QUICK LINKS" in the iTunes Store.
Choose the appropriate video type: Movies or TV Shows.
In the lower-right corner of the screen, deselect the box next to "Download HD When Available."
Search for the desired video and click the download button.
This should download the standard definition version to your computer so you can sync to your device.
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Pedro.