It's all over the web; downloading movies is here. Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of the benefits of the service and recent developments. When informally polling consumers on a home electronics website, it appeared that concerns revolved around not having the equipment or knowledge of how to download, the cost, the time involved, and lingering questions about the legality of downloading. Let's address these one by one.
• Is downloading movies legal?
Consumers no longer have to worry about unwittingly obtaining copyrighted material illegally through peer-to-peer file sharing nor being exposed to viruses that are so common in peer-to-peer situations. Both Movielink and Cinema Now offer movie download services in agreement with the movie studios. Movielink in fact is owned/operated by Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Universal, Sony, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. In addition, they finalized a deal with 20th Century Fox in November 2005 giving them content from all of Hollywood’s major film studios. Movies can be rented or purchased and downloaded to PC; however, those knowledgeable about the industry indicate that it is likely the ability to transfer movies onto DVD and then play them on television is forthcoming.
• Does downloading movies take a long time?
The time it takes to download depends on a number of factors such as the file size, the user's connection, and the computer's capabilities. As connections and computers have become faster, the time required to download has been significantly reduced. In general, it takes 45 to 90 minutes. Faster downloading is surely in the future but in reality it takes no longer than going to the store to pick up a movie. In addition, downloading can be accomplished 24/7, allowing users to download while they sleep.
• What equipment is necessary for downloading?
As an example, to download from Movielink, high speed internet access, Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, and Windows 2000 or XP is needed. Movielink recommends at least 300 MHz, an Intel Pentium III+ processor, 128 MB of RAM, a full duplex soundcard and speakers, and a 65,000 color video display card set. The movies will play through Real Player 8.0+ or Windows Media Player 7.1+.
• Is downloading movies more expensive that renting at the store?
No. Most local video stores will rent a DVD for a recent release for $3.60-5.00 for overnight to one week. Movielink rental prices are in the $1.99 to $4.99 range and purchases are priced from $8.99 to $27.99. There are no membership fees or commitments, only the per movie fee.
• Is downloading movies difficult?
No. It is generally a process of selecting the movie, initiating a Movie Manager type program to download, and then storing/saving the movie to the PC. Most movie download sites understand that this is a new process for many people and they offer tutorials and comprehensive FAQ pages to answer questions and offer instruction on the process. Movielink even allows users to participate in live chat if they have unanswered questions or if problems arise during the downloading process.
Armed with information about the true benefits and current status of downloading movies from the internet, it should become clear to consumers that it is a viable option and strong competitor to DVD rental. With no committment or membership payments, downloading offers new users the chance to "try it on for size" without any worries.
Related Articles
Downloading Movies
By: Promil Saini | 28/04/2008 | Movies
More and more individuals than ever before are enjoying the many benefits to be had in downloading movies they want to watch onto their own personal desktop or laptop computer.
What are the Best Movie Sites for Downloading Movies? it Depends on What you are Looking for
By: Joel pearce | 06/03/2007 | Movies
It all started with music. Early on, sites like Napster made it possible to download songs without purchasing an album. The problem was that these services – at the time – did not take copyright into consideration. People shared songs they liked and built their music collection. And, as time went on, this started to change. Subscription services came about; so did the opportunity to pay to download one song at a time.
iPod Music Downloads - Top 3 Key Tips Enabling Positive Experiences
By: Sydney Nelson | 04/11/2007 | Art and Entertainment
iPod music downloads can be a very positive experience if you know the rules of the game. With the enormous number of "unlimited music downloads" sites on the Internet, you can be overwhelmed or confused as to which one is right for you. I'll outline 3 primary things to consider...
Free Ipod Song Downloads – Where to Download Ipod Songs?
By: Davion W | 02/04/2008 | Technology
Anyone wanting to obtain legal free iPod song downloads must first install iTunes application onto your PC. There are other sites I would share in this article that you might want to consider if you want to get free iPod song downloads. These sites are established sites that offer you songs you can download immediately without handing over any cash at all.
Things You Should Consider When You Download Songs for Your Zune
By: Davion W | 10/05/2008 | Art
Now that you have in your hands one of the best portable media player around, you should try to download songs for your Zune. The best thing about Zune is that you can practically get songs from all types of resources. This makes Zune so likeable to many fanatics.
Free Download Vs Paid Download
By: vicky dangi | 28/01/2008 | Movies
One of the greatest booms of the Internet, apart from social networking sites, is the online downloads.
Unlimited Zune Downloads – Truth About Free Zune Music and Movie Downloads
By: Davion W | 05/11/2007 | Technology
Perhaps you just bought a brand new Zune player and want to find a place where you can get unlimited Zune downloads for your new player. You may have contemplated downloading music, movies and videos at some of the free online services that provide you unlimited Zune downloads. Sounds attractive but should you?
How to Find Quality Yet Affordable Iphone Music Downloads
By: Davion W | 13/02/2008 | Technology
iPhone music downloads must be one thing on the mind of all proud iPhone owners. After all, the new advanced technology’s baby allows playing up to 100 stored songs, apart from functioning as a regular cell phone. With such possibilities, it would be a sin to leave your wonderful gizmo empty.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Saving My Font Prefererences
By: Nan | 07-07-2008
Since the last AOL upgrade, I've successfully figured out how to create a personal font size and color when composing emails but have lost the ability to SAVE these settings. As it now stands, I am forced to set font style, size, and color for each outgoing email. Any way to save my preferences? Thanks! NF
Movie title
By: Solina | 06-07-2008
What is the title of the american movie from 1970's that featured a black actor in tight leather pants? It stirred quite a buzz back then....
What movie was "When I Fall in Love" in?
By: llchristman | 06-07-2008
What movie was "When I Fall in Love" in?
Where to purchase a dvd/vhs
By: Mary | 06-07-2008
My mother-in-law work on and was an extra in a 1973 Mickey Rooney movie titled "The Godmothers". It did poorly at the box office but I think she would get a kick out of seeing it again. Can this movie be purchased? If so, where? Thank you, Mary Jane
What kind of car did Val Kilmer drive in the movie ...
By: Monk | 05-07-2008
What kind of car did Val Kilmer drive in the movie "The Real McCoy"?
Looking for the name of a made for tv movie era ...
By: Di | 05-07-2008
looking for the name of a made for tv movie era 1994-95 about the end of the earth. I thought Jason Robards was in it...but I may be totally off.....I remember something about a father and daughter in the theme....and the seashore..
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Art and Entertainment Articles
Take Care of Your Gold Watches
By: Tiraton Athiwat | 19/07/2008
The luster and warm tone of gold never appears to go off out of fashion and style. Rather with the years, it has become more appealing choice for the jewelry buyers and designers. Gold is the softest metal and if kept with proper care, it lasts forever. This is the reason that there has been much demand for the gold watches too.
W.C. Handy, the Quintessential Memphis Musician
By: Phoenix Delray | 19/07/2008
This article tells about some of the musicians in Memphis
The History of Memphis Blues Music
By: Phoenix Delray | 18/07/2008
This article discusses about the origin of the blues music in Memphis
Meet The Famous Musicians From Memphis
By: Phoenix Delray | 18/07/2008
This article tells more about the Memphis musicians.
7 Beatrix Potter Quotes to Celebrate a Childhood Favorite
By: Noel Jameson | 18/07/2008
Beatrix Potter wrote her way into the hearts of millions of children with her Peter Rabbit tales. While her body left us decades ago, her spirit and her legacy still live on. Let's commemorate this year's anniversary of her birth with these seven Beatrix Potter quotes.
Cigars: A Great Bachelorette Party Gift
By: Ann Knapp | 18/07/2008
Unlike many wedding customs, it's not so hard to get to the bottom of the origin of the bachelorette party. It's a fairly recent innovation, the result of the cross-breeding of the traditional bachelorette's tea
with the idea of the bachelor party, with a bit of the even-more-traditional bridal shower mixed in.
Get Going With Race Games
By: Ajeet Khurana | 17/07/2008
When you play racing games you probably feel happier because you really enjoy them. Physiologically playing a game can make us feel better because of the effects on the brain. It is amazing that people become addicted to these games because after all they are just entertainment option. However, when...
Online and Offline Car Race Games
By: Ajeet Khurana | 17/07/2008
If you want to play race car games then the best way to do so is to play online. The Internet is chock full of websites that have such sports so your best option is to search different websites and find the ones that you would love. Of course, there...
Art and Entertainment 
