AT&T has launched new pre-paid data plans for netbooks and notebooks, dubbed DataConnect Pass.

The service will not require a multi-year contract.

A one-day pass, up to 100MB, will cost $15, a week-long pass and 300MB will cost $30, and a monthly pass (1GB) will cost $50.

"Demand for high-functioning, lightweight, mobile computing devices remains strong among consumers and small business customers who want access to the Internet while on the go," says David Haight, VP of product development, AT&T emerging devices. "By offering the DataConnect Pass Plans, customers receive added value, choice, and flexibility to decide when to consume data within the parameters of their personal budget, for a more consumer-centric and convenient experience."

Additionally, the company has launched three new netbooks, all ranging between 10.1 and 11.6 inches, and weighing about 3 pounds.

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Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has launched "Screen Classics by Request" this week, an online service that allows classic movie fans to purchase films from Columbia Picture's catalog, on-demand, for the first time ever.

Visitors to www.Columbia-Classics.com can choose to purchase films released as far back as the 1930s, on-demand, for $20 plus shipping.

Some films are even available in Blu-ray and include the original theatrical box art when available.

The on-demand program will allow the studios to bring the the content to the market in the most cost-effective way, only when the consumer actually wants it.

"The launch of 'Screen Classics By Request' is an important step in the evolution of our multiplatform distribution strategy," adds John Calkins, EVP of global digital and commercial innovation with SPHE.

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Amazon has bid 199 million pounds for the large European movie-rental company Lovefilm, says The Sunday Times, although both companies have declined comment.

The world's largest e-tailer already owns a 42 percent stake of the rental company.

In 2008, Amazon merged its European rental operation with Lovefilm's, while at the same time buying the stake of one of the company's venture capitalists.

Earlier this year, Lovefilm announced it was ramping up its digital movie services, making deals with Sony and Samsung for on-demand streaming.

Every few months, Amazon is rumored to be purchasing Neflix, the largest rental company in the United States.

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Apple has signed a new confidential licensing deal with Rovi today, a deal that has at least one analyst claiming Apple will release a Web-connected HDTV with live TV and DVR in the future.

Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray calls the deal strong evidence of an upcoming HDTV.

Rovi is the company behind the interactive program guide used by many cable/satellite operators and set-top box makers.

Says Munster (via AI): "We believe this announcement is further evidence that Apple is developing live TV and DVR features for its Apple TV product, and will likely launch an all-in-one Apple Television in the next 2-4 years. Following its deal with Rovi, Apple would be clear to add live TV, DVR and guidance features to its Apple TV product, which we believe is a critical step towards an all-in-one Apple Television."

Apple launched an updated Apple TV earlier this month.

Although it is unclear, Munster believes the deal will cost Apple $10 million per year.

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Microsoft has noted today that some Halo Reach users have been experiencing disc read errors when trying to play the popular game.

"We are aware of a very small number of customers reporting that their copy of Halo Reach is causing a 'disc read' error," says the software giant. "Those affected should contact Microsoft customer support at 1-800-4MY-XBOX for troubleshooting assistance."

Most users with the issue are playing on a 20GB Xbox 360 Pro which was on sale from late 2005 until 2008.

A minority amount of users also reported issues with the 120GB Xbox 360 Elite.

Halo Reach is a prequel to the original Halo, the original Xbox's second-highest selling game.

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