http://www.ameibo.com —
Are you a movie lover, but don't have the time you once did to get out to a theater to see one? Luckily, you can now relax in the comfort of your own home and download a movie from the Internet. While illegal downloading has reached epic proportions, there are plenty of legal sites from which one can choose. And since illegal downloads could bring unwanted viruses, hackers and the long arm of the law down on you, why even risk doing it, when there are so many legal alternatives?
There are a vast array of online [legal] video-on-demand movie sites to choose from but like with anything, be sure and do your homework before signing up. Fees for downloading can range from a set monthly price for unlimited access to movies, to a rental fee for each film you choose. Credit and debit cards are generally the preferred method of payment, but some sites are starting to use Paypal as an alternative.
Some of the more popular movie download sites competing for your business are: Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix, iTunes, Movieflix, Cinemanow, real.com and Movielink. While these companies are only available to US residents, http://www.ameibo.com/ sells and rents movies to all countries of the world. Keep in mind there are some key components to consider when choosing the best site for your movie downloading needs:
-Selection of films:
There may be thousands to choose from but they may be only be “B” titles.
-With limited access to newer movies, can you actually download from the site or do you prefer streaming it:
If you have a dial-up connection (instead of DSL or cable), either one of these options will make it next to impossible considering the size of most movies (500 to 800 megabytes).
-Do you have a Mac or a PC:
Not all sites cater to both.
-Are you interested in special offers:
Some sites offer a season pass for things like downloaded TV shows, where you can benefit from a discounted price for the entire season of your chosen show.
-Are there restrictions:
Some sites allow you to watch a movie after it has been downloaded, an unlimited amount of time in a specified time frame (usually 24 to 48 hours).
One of the most notorious illegal sites out there, could soon be an option for legal downloads. In an official press release dated June 30, 2009, it was announced that Pirate Bay was recently acquired by Global Gaming Factory X AB (publ) (GGF), which intends to make the company a legal one from which customers can continue to download movies, games and software. In essence, all those with copyrighted material will now be paid for their work. Pirate Bay is one of the top 100 most visited sites on the Internet. However, according to most recent news reports, various legal actions are still pending against Pirate Bay, and the sale is not yet final. We will just have to stay tuned for the final outcome.
While illegal downloading has reached epidemic proportions, there are plenty of legal sites from which one can choose. Why even risk the [legal] implications of an illegal download, when there are so many other alternatives? If you're still asking yourself “why even bother with downloading at all” perhaps you still haven't tried it. If you did, you would discover an entirely new world of ways in which to watch movies without ever getting in to your car to do so. If you choose a reputable site for downloading, the quality of film you get is shockingly good. If you choose to, you can even watch a download on your television. In addition, with monthly membership fees, you have access to multiple films versus just one you would pay for either at a movie theater or video rental store.
Still not convinced? Have you ever wanted to travel to Europe or Asia, but never had the time or money? With legal downloading, you can enjoy going to these places with the ability to choose [and download] a vast array of films from foreign countries. Can't get tickets to that favorite sporting event or concert? Now you can by downloading it and watching it at home at your leisure. Even with Hollywood heavyweights like MGM, Sony, Warner Bros., and Universal, all on board to to sell their major motion pictures online (for downloading) the same time they release the DVD, you know it has to be worth the effort.
There are a vast array of video-on-demand movie sites to choose from but like with anything, be sure and do the research before signing up. Fees for downloading can range from a set monthly price for umlimited access to movies to a rental fee for each film selected.
If you haven't figured it out already, the way in which we watch movies today has drastically changed since the invention of the motion picture in 1915. From silent movies to the “talkies” (created in 1929), the creative pioneers in a sleepy little suburb in Los Angeles, now known to the world as “Hollywood”, made movies the most popular mass medium in history, to be rivalled only by television.
Are you overwhelmed yet? Don't be! Given many video-on-demand sites have free trial memberships, you have nothing to loose by giving it a go and then all you have to do is sit back, and let the movie you have chosen help you escape the sometimes sad, seamy despairs of life. After all, in the movies, heroes are always fearless, villains are always punished, love conquers all, and happiness crows “The End.”
© Shelley Vassall, 2009.
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Downloading Movies: The Legal Way
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svassall 245 days ago
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