Normally, a movie studio extending its "film output deal" with HBO wouldn't be notable, except this time the deal is a little more flexible than it used to be, according to All Things D. The difference this time around is that reportedly Fox's new deal with HBO involves a "'softening' of the 'electronic sell-though' window," which is likely means that Fox movies that previously weren't available for purchase online when they were airing on HBO should be made available sooner. The new deal reportedly will apply to both existing and future movies, although the earlier electronic release dates will only apply to purchases, not rentals. That may not be an ideal situation for cord-cutters hoping to use iTunes, Amazon, and other movie purchasing services to replace cable — but at least it's one small step in the right direction.