Get out the popcorn and elastic waist pants-there are more options than ever for watching a great movie in the comfort of your own home.
Remember when we had to actually travel to the video store, hoping there was something decent left on the shelves to rent, then scramble back a few days later to avoid late fees? Well, we’re here to tell you the days of late fees (and leaving your house, for that matter) are over! There are tons of ways now to rent or download (or both, on a particularly slow Saturday) movies and show of each type imaginable. On Tap has compared the most popular options available to help you decide which is best for you.
Netflix: www.netflix.com
About: Netflix is the world’s largest online movie rental service, with hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes available for rent or online viewing. The company consistently earns a better than 90% satisfaction rating on customer surveys. With over 11 million subscribers, they must be doing something right.
How It Works: Everyone knows the drill by now: sign up online to have movies from your list mailed to you and return them in the postage-paid envelopes. No due dates and no late fees. Viewing movies instantly is just as easy, either on your computer, or your TV if it’s connected to the internet. On your computer, simply download Quicksilver, the player software on Netflix’s site and you’re ready to go. To view on your TV or Netflix-ready device, you just need to activate the device online before viewing.
Pros: You mean besides never having to leave your house? Ratings and recommendations. Netflix boasts an effective rating system that allows members to rate and review movies and TV shows, and uses those to make suggestions based on your viewing patterns and evaluations. In fact, approximately 60% of Netflix members select their movies based on movie recommendations tailored to their individual tastes.
Cons: Netflix and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment have recently struck a deal, establishing that new release titles on DVD and Blu-ray will be made available to Netflix members after a 28-day window. But don’t cancel your membership just yet — this arrangement also entails an expanded license for Warner Brothers and reduced product costs for Netflix, both of which allow for more titles available as streaming content and better in-stock levels for new releases. So as long as you can hang in there for a few weeks to see a new Warner Brothers movie, everyone wins.
Cost: Memberships start at $4.99/month for 2 DVDs and a limited instant viewing plan. For just $8.99/month you get unlimited DVDs sent to your home and can view instantly on your computer or TV as many movies and TV shows as you can handle.
Technical Requirements: To view instantly on your computer, you just need to make sure your PC meets the following requirements:
- Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Vista or Windows 7
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher; or Firefox 2 or higher
- 1.2 GHz processor
- 512 MB RAM
Macs need to meet the following requirements:
- An Intel-based Mac with OS 10.4.8 or later
- Safari 3 or higher; or Firefox 2 or higher
- 1 GB RAM
Viewing instantly is also available on the following Netflix-ready devices:
- Blu-ray disc players and Internet TVs from LG Electronics
- Blu-ray disc players from Samsung, Sony and Best Buy’s Insignia brand
- Roku digital video player
- Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console
- Sony’s PS3 computer entertainment system
- TiVo digital video recorders
- Internet TVs from Sony and, soon, VIZIO
Blockbuster: www.blockbuster.com
About: It took them long enough to recognize that the movie marketplace was changing, but once they did Blockbuster came on like gangbusters. Taking aim at all comers, they launched both a full service online video service and their own branded line of rental kiosks. If they have their way, future generations will still be “making it a Blockbuster night” even if they’ve never set foot in an actual store.
How It Works: Like Netflix, you pick a service plan that allows differing numbers of movies to be checked out at the same time. Select them online and have them mailed to your home. Unlike Netflix, you can return the movies to your local store, or exchange them for another movie if you don’t feel like waiting for the next one to be mailed to you. It’s true “clicks and mortar.” You can also rent and purchase movies for download.
Pros: The in-store option is worth its weight in gold. All Netflix users have found themselves at some point with an already watched movie sitting on the counter waiting to be mailed back and nothing to on the tube that night. That’s a problem no longer. Blu-ray discs are no extra charge. Even non-members can download movies (for a rental fee).
Cons: You pay a rental fee to watch downloaded movies even if you are a member, proving that Blockbuster is still focused on preserving its physical rental business, to the detriment of its online efforts.
Cost: Memberships start at $8.99 for 1 DVD at a time by mail only, and go up to $19.99 for up to 3 DVDs at a time with 5 in-store exchanges.
Technical Requirements: To view instantly on your computer, you just need to make sure your PC meets the following requirements:
- Windows XP with Service Pack 2, Vista or Windows 7
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher; or Firefox 2 or higher
- 1.2 GHz processor
- 512 MB RAM
Viewing instantly is also available on the following devices:
- 2wire MediaPoint Set-Top Box
- Blu-ray disc players and entertainment centers from Samsung
- Roku digital video player
- TV via PC and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console
- TiVo digital video recorders
iTunes: www.apple.com/itunes
About: If you think iTunes is only for music, think again. Apple’s proprietary service offers TV shows, movies, Podcasts, audiobooks and more.
How It Works: You can only access it via the iTunes software; fortunately, you probably already have it, and if not, it’s a free download. Create an account, pick your selections — to purchase or rent — and download away.
Pros: As with everything Apple, the watch word is “elegant.” The iTunes store is easy to use and offers tons of content. If you’ve got an iPod, iPhone or iPod touch (and possibly even iPad by press time if rumors are to be believed) then copying your programs to that for mobile viewing is a snap.
Cons: If you want to watch on a TV you’re stuck hooking up your computer, using Apple TV, or connecting a video iPod to get the content there.
Cost: TV shows go for $1.99 per episode with a discount if you buy the “season pass.” Movie rentals are $2.99 for older titles and $3.99 for new releases with 30 days to start viewing and 24 hours once you do start viewing. Movie purchases start as low as $4.99.
Technical Requirements: Must have iTunes.
Amazon: www.amazon.com
About: That’s right, Amazon.com is not just for buying new books for your Kindle anymore. Now movie enthusiasts can instantly watch movies and TV shows through Amazon’s Video On Demand. Once you’ve signed up for your membership, you’ll have the chance to pre-order upcoming new releases and have access to special passes and promotions.
How It Works: In Amazon’s Movies, Music & Games section, click on the Video On Demand tab. Here you can browse thousands of movies and TV episodes to view instantly. Movies are available to rent — which gives you 30 days to start watching and 24 hours once you have started — or for purchase. TV shows are purchase only. Both can be watched instantly on your Video On Demand compatible Roku, TiVo, compatible HDTV or via a computer. Don’t have a Roku, TiVo or HDTV? Well, thankfully you’re on Amazon.com, so you can buy one plus a ton of movies to load up, all with one click of your mouse.
Pros: If you can’t make a decision to save your life, this is a safe place for you. Amazon offers Disc+ on Demand. Through this option, you can purchase the DVD or Blu-Ray disc that will be shipped to you, and you still get the video file to view instantly as a gift with purchase.
Cons: Rented films are only available as streaming videos. So only rent on this site if you intend to watch on your computer or Amazon-compatible electronic device.
Cost: There is a small number of free videos. Otherwise, renting costs $1.99-$3.99 and purchasing costs $4.99-$19.99.
Technical Requirements:
- PCs: Intel Pentium 4 2.33GHz processor or equivalent.
- Macs: PowerPC G5 1.8GHz or faster or Intel Core Duo 1.33 GHz or faster.
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or above, Firefox 1.5 or above, or Safari 2.0 or above.
- The most recent versions of JavaScript and Adobe Flash Player.
- Broadband Internet connection with minimum connection speed of 450 Kbits/sec.
- To view in HD: Most Duo Core 2 GHz Macs and PCs or faster, and Broadband Internet connection with minimum recommended connection speed of 3.5 mbps.
Roxio CinemaNow: www.cinemanow.com
About: You may have heard this service talked about in the news in recent months as Best Buy (see below) recently signed a deal to license its technology for their Insignia brand devices. Despite lacking the name recognition of some sites, CinemaNow is a major player, as it powers both TiVo’s DVRs and Blockbusters online video service.
How It Works: Head to CinemaNow’s cleanly designed website and browse an incredible selection of movies and TV shows available to rent (movies only) or purchase. Rented movies are playable for up to 24 hours on a single device. A purchased movie or show will play on up to three devices.
Pros: Huge selection, great site design and very clear information on what will play where and what the terms of use are. From Blu-ray players to Xbox 360 to an array of portable devices, CinemaNow offers some of the best options for watching wherever you want, including DivX — a video format that is compatible across a wide range of devices and works on Mac and PC.
Cons: Rented films only work with Windows computers — sorry Mac heads.
Cost: Movie rentals will run you around $3.99, purchases up to $19.99. A TV show runs $1.99 an episode.
Technical Requirements: The service works on a wide array of devices, but only on PCs running XP, Vista or Windows 7 and Windows Media Player 10 or higher plus IE 6.0 or better or Firefox 2.0 or higher.
Redbox: www.redbox.com
About: Redbox is an affordable and convenient option for renting movies on DVD. These fully automated vending machines are located in or near grocery stores, drug and convenience stores and even in some McDonald’s restaurants throughout the DC Metro area. (Visit www.redbox.com to find the Redbox closest to you.) Again, there are no due dates and no late fees.
How It Works: Using the touch screen on a Redbox kiosk, browse hundreds of movie titles and add your selections to your “cart.” The DVDs are then vended like a can of soda. Basically if you’ve ever bought anything online before, you’ll be able to use the Redbox. You’ll just need to enter your email and swipe a credit or debit card to complete the transaction. For added convenience, Redbox also offers online reservations. Chose your title online, select the location for pick-up and pay for the rental in advance. The movie is then guaranteed for you for 24 hours. When you’re finished with the DVDs, just return them to any Redbox kiosk.
Pros: Free rentals! When you sign up for the Email Network, receive a code for a free rental. Members of the Email Network also receive other coupons for free rentals and notices about new releases.
Cons: This service is for renting DVDs only. Therefore, if you’d rather watch a movie instantly online, Redbox is not for you. Limited selection is another drawback — there are only so many movies the machines can hold and the hottest new releases tend to rent out early.
Cost: Each rental costs $1 per day. The card that you swipe at the kiosk is charged automatically until you return the DVD. If you haven’t returned the movie after 25 days, it’s yours to keep.
Technical Requirements: None. Since there is no option for online viewing, if you have a DVD player, you’re ready to go.
Hulu: www.hulu.com
About: Hulu offers one of the most comprehensive collections of movies, TV shows and original web clips currently available. This free-for-now site (there are persistent rumors of plans for various paid models) makes it incredibly easy to find and view thousands of videos ranging from classic ’80s TV shows, to documentaries to a web clip of J-Woww punching The Situation in Atlantic City.
How It Works: When you create a free account on Hulu, the website can be used like a virtual DVR box. Add your favorite TV shows to your list and when new episodes are available you’ll be notified. Alternatively, you can browse for videos through the site’s “channels,” which help organize the thousands of videos into categories. There are also several options for sharing videos via email or embedding on your own website or blog.
Pros: The Lab: Through this feature, you can play with experimental features and provide your very own important feedback while the technology is still in development. This is sure to provide hours of fun for techies or control freaks in general.
Cons: There are a few cable channels that aren’t available on Hulu. So if you’re hoping to watch AMC’s Golden Globe winning show Mad Men or TLC’s Toddler’s in Tiaras, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Cost: Free (for now).
Technical Requirements: You’ll need a downstream bandwidth of 1,000Kbps or higher.
In addition, your computer must have the following software installed:
- Adobe Flash Player 10.0.22 or above
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or above, Firefox 2.0 or above, or Safari 3.0 or above
- Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later, Macintosh OS X 10.4 or above, or Linux
- JavaScript and Cookies must also be enabled
Online Video Guide: www.ovguide.com
About: The Online Video Guide is a mega-clearinghouse that connects you to any site that provides streaming videos. If it’s on the internet, it will be listed on the Online Video Guide.
How It Works: When you select the movie or TV show you’re looking for, the site aggregates a list of all the various websites on which that video is available to view. Each individual site listing shows reviews and ratings from other users, so just pick the site you like and you’ll be automatically connected. The categories seem endless, with options to view videos pertaining to fitness, history, independent films and more.
Pros: This site is great for finding special interest videos. Use the categories to find the topic that interests you, then click away. There are hundreds of sites for all kinds of specific topics, for example, how to microwave bacon on Startcooking.com.
Cons: Yes, there are an incredible number of sites cataloged here, however, other than the most popular sites (like Hulu or TV network sites) the majority of the sites earn terrible reviews from other users. There’s hardly any motivation to stray from what you know unless, of course, you’re looking for that one very specific, possibly obscure video.
Cost: The Online Video Guide is a free site, although depending on what you select you may be directed to a paid site.
Technical Requirements: Again, this depends on the site you select to view your video.
Best Buy: www.bestbuy.com
Best Buy is the top local retailer for DVD sales, but that’s hardly a growth business these days. As more and more people switch to video on demand, Best Buy is making an aggressive push to capture those dollars too. The chain recently partnered with Sonic Solutions to license their Roxio CinemaNow technology — the service behind TiVo DVRs and BlockBuster’s online video store. If you buy any of Best Buy’s own Insignia brand TVs or Blu-ray players, it will come preloaded with the technology which will give you access to CinemaNow’s movie download service via a built-in menu. Talks are apparently underway with a number of other electronics manufacturers, with the goal of making every media device sold in Best Buy capable of working with the service. A recent partnership with Netflix means that the Insignia gear will be able to access that service as well.
Note
Streaming videos work depend on sufficient bandwidth. If you’re not sure what your system is running, test your bandwidth at www.speedtest.net.
