The Webformix Guide to Online Video On Demand
Now more than ever, the Internet is a portal to a world of great movies, television and video. As data speeds and streaming devices have improved, more viewers are relying on their internet service providers to connect them with streaming video and entertainment, offering the unparalleled convenience and value of video on demand. This guide surveys the landscape of services and devices that deliver thousands of hours of entertainment to your screen of choice.
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (It’ll Be Streamed!)
Not long ago, watching video on the Internet meant squinting at short, grainy clips in a tiny window that often failed to load smoothly. Now viewers have access to a world of full-screen, high definition video, including entire movies and complete seasons of their favorite television shows. Instead of combing the Internet for slow downloads from questionable sources, viewers have completely legal access to a variety of streaming service providers that make choosing your next video as easy as the old days of browsing the video store.
For some customers, paying separately for Internet and cable is a thing of the past. These cord cutters are embracing the affordability and convenience of online content, accessing a wealth of entertainment – at a fraction of the cost.
Limitless Choices
Launched as a partnership between major broadcast and cable networks, Hulu is home to some of your favorite shows, updated the day after their original air date. Whether you’re interested in catching up on your favorite shows like Modern Family, The Daily Show, Scandal, or Gray’s Anatomy, Hulu allows you to watch your favorite programs on your own schedule. The service also offers a great selection of streaming movies. A low monthly fee and a few commercials is a small price to pay for so much great content.
Users of Amazon’s Prime delivery service now have a new benefit – streaming video. Amazon’s video offerings cover many of today’s best shows and also a vast library of movies that can be rented or purchased in high definition. For users who already take advantage of Prime shipping, it’s a great free added bonus with thousands of Prime eligible movies and TV shows at no additional cost.
Once known solely as a place to download music, iTunes has grown into a one-stop-shop for HD quality television and movies. Users can download entire season of television – or just individual episodes – at affordable prices. Given that many users are familiar with the iTunes interface through Apple devices like the iPod, iPhone and iPad, iTunes is one of the easiest ways to organize and enjoy the movies and TV shows you already have — and shop for the ones you want to get.Exciting New Devices Integrate with Your TV
The days of watching Internet video solely on your computer are a thing of the past. A new generation of Internet equipped TV’s allow viewers to watch content from services like Netflix and Hulu directly on their television, controlled using the same remote they would use to browse traditional channels. Yet even if your TV is not Internet enabled, a host of affordable and convenient devices are capable of delivering the Internet directly to your TV.
Roku
One of the most popular and easy-to-use video streaming devices is Roku, which offers both a Roku Box and a Roku Stick to connect your television to the Internet, featuring access to Netflix and Hulu, as well as hundreds of free channels. Cable subscribers can even watch their favorite originals and on-demand movies from services like HBOGo, WatchESPN, WatchDisney, FOXNow, A&E and the HISTORY Channel.
Xbox/Playstation/Wii
Many homes are already equipped with a powerful device for streaming video – their game console! In addition to connecting users to great games, the Xbox, PlayStation and Wii are portals to a variety of video entertainment, providing streaming access to Netflix and Hulu. Reference your console instructions to learn how you can turn your game machine into an entertainment hub for the entire family.
Apple TV
With Apple TV, your television can be a portal to all of the video content you’ve come to expect from iTunes, plus access to other great services like Netflix. The latest version of the Apple TV features 1080p HD capability to give you access to the best content —movies, shows, sports, and even your photo collection— right on your widescreen TV. You can even play content from your other iOS devices on your TV using the AirPlay feature. Like all Apple devices, there is an intense focus on the user experience — and with a low price, it allows you to bring a world of Apple video to your television at an affordable price.
Amazon FireTV
Amazon’s FireTV is the latest entrant in the streaming video device race. Promising access to the world of Amazon Instant Video programming, the new device also features free access to a selection of video games in development by Amazon’s in-house studio. This device is brand new, so you can expect the content to expand over time, but if Amazon’s track record is any indication, the company will make sure that viewers have access to a great selection of entertainment at competitive prices
Chromecast
Google’s Chromecast is as small as it is powerful. A tiny device that fits into your HDTV’s USB port, Chromecast turns your TV into a video streaming machine, connecting your television to the wide array of entertainment available on Google’s Play network. With Chromecast, you can easily enjoy your favorite online entertainment on your HDTV—movies, TV shows, music, and more from Netflix, YouTube and Hulu Plus.