Today Apple announced that QuickTime 5 is now available for download. The Pro version costs $30, and QuickTime 3/4 users will have to pay again (unfortunately), but purchases made since October 2000 qualify for a free upgrade. QuickTime Streaming Server 3 will be available in May. New features include new 360° QuickTime VR, Skins, MPEG-1 support, a new digital video codec, Improved AppleScript support, a better music synthesizer, and Flash 4 built-in.

"QuickTime 5 includes an enhanced user-interface with new audio controls, “Hot Picks” guide and QuickTime TV™ (QTV) channels display; a new DV codec for enhanced speed and quality; the ability for content creators to design custom interfaces for the delivery of their QuickTime content; and a component downloader to add Apple’s own enhancements as well as third-party plug-ins on the fly. QuickTime 5 also offers full support for MPEG-1, Flash 4 and QuickTime’s new Cubic VR technology."