Some options for music would be the online radio apps such
as Spotify, Pandora, ITunes radio and so much more. While these options are
available for free with ads and limited skips they are also available to buy
but for me I think the free version does the job. Also you can listen to music
and create playlists through YouTube, so the options are definitely there and
as we like for free.
For movies and TV shows there are many different options
emerging for us and continually growing, we have Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, ITunes,
Redbox, and OnDemand, apps that go along with movie channels such as HBO Go or
Starz play and so much more. Netflix not only offers a free month trial, it is
also relatively cheap and provides a variety of movies and TV shows and they
are continually creating deals with networks to help broaden their selection. One of their newer deals is with Disney that
will get them access to Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Disney animation shows and
movies (Lawler). VUDU is one of my favorites that I’ve talked about recently,
most of you may know when you buy a DVD now inside there is a card with the
digital copy, this is usually done through VUDU. When I created an account I
automatically received a $5 credit and ten free preselected movies just for
creating the account. I also liked that it didn’t require me to put a credit or
debit card on file. The awesome thing about VUDU is they will offer discounts
on TV shows previous seasons when the new season is getting ready to come out.
Also you can rent from the site and it will give you options from SD to HD
quality, personally the SD isn’t bad and is cheaper which it is always nice to
have options (VUDU). Something that I didn’t even realize was really an option
was the OnDemand feature offered by my TV provider, I currently have AT&T
U-verse and I was able to watch all three seasons of the show Shameless for
free which was very nice and convenient. Not all shows are offered through this
feature but it never hurts to check.
As you can see we have so many options for alternatives to
piracy that are reasonably priced and allow us to still support our favorite
artists, actors and actresses and all of the people who work hard to create those
shows we love.
Lawler, Ryan. "Netflix Strikes Streaming Deal With
Disney, Gains Exclusive Access To New Titles Beginning In 2016." TechCrunch.
N.p., 4 Dec. 2012. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
"Stream Hundreds of New Releases Years before They're
on Netflix*." VUDU. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
I don't understand why people pirate movies and music when they can utilize resources like those mentioned. I love netflix and pandora and I would rather pay the small fee rather than take the chance of trying to download a movie and just end up with a virus!
ReplyDeleteI agree Heather it is definitely a gamble and with such reasonable prices with the services offered it's a gamble I wouldn't take, however you know how appealing free is and I think that's why so many people are willing to risk it. I think another reason that has scared me off was I've actually seen someone get in trouble for it and the fines he had to pay made $7 for Netflix sound like nothing!
DeleteWhen I first got my Ipod I would always check out TV shows in the itunes store, for some shows like Southpark, the costs for episodes would really add up. I soon learned that I could watch all the Southpark episodes for free on the South park studios website. It is good to know that now there are so many free options for people to enjoy their favorite music, movies, and TV shows. I had never heard of VUDU before, but it sounds like a good service. I will have to check it out sometime. Nice article!
ReplyDeleteJD, I think the market is definitely shifting towards affordable, accessible alternatives to piracy. While some of these services may require a small monthly "membership" fee, they are, for the most part, extremely consistent and reliable in terms of efficiency.
ReplyDeleteI'v never actually used VUDU myself, but would definitely be willing to try it.
I really agree with this blog. There are so many different ways for us to go out and receive things that we like the honest way but folks just like to do things that just aren't as honest. I utilize some of these apps and they are very good. Some people are just greedy and they want to do whatever they want regardless of who this affects. I just don't think that piracy will ever get better.
ReplyDeleteI agree there are so many different options but unfortunately I think that no matter what free is always going to be very tempting to most. I wouldn't say that piracy isn't going to get better though because we've seen a huge improvement in piracy with music so I would definitely say there is hope. The best bet is to have businesses keep creating these alternatives that give us an incentive to use their services and quit pirating.
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