A few years ago, most people probably got the majority of their media content from either a cable box, an optical disc or from an Internet download. Today, with the advent of You tube ubiquitous connectivity and better access to broadband, many users now get the bulk of their content streamed directly to their devices from the cloud.
Besides many choices available with guaranteed enertainment and high dimensional digital experience with the best prices and subscription packages. Introducing seven most popular streaming media services, that provide best offerings and all round media experience.
1. iTunes
The new iTunes will have a few new features coincide with iPhone5 and its iOS 5 mobile device operating system.
At what cost?
It will cost you 25$/year and can store copies of 25,000 songs in the cloud.
How it works?
After running the service on your computer it will scan your music library and it will be available to you at high 256kbps bit rates, if match is found in iTunes store.
Mobile device support
iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and other Apple devices.
Our take
One feature lacking in iTunes is, unlike many competing streaming music services it doesn’t give access to entire music collection unless you own it. Well not to worry much, if your music isn’t in the service, it will be uploaded to Apple’s server and you can get access through your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
2. Vudu
The LG-Vudu deal is TVs and consumer electronics offering increasingly sophisticated Internet media options. It will join the already strong interactive features on those sets, which include Netflix, YouTube, and Yahoo Widgets.
Cost/Offers
Not offering subscription plan, but the service does have some special deals such a new movie every day for a 99 cent rental.
PC/Mac access
Via Boxee requires downloading and installing Boxee and then adding the Vudu app.
Mobile device support
Vudu does offer an iPhone app and iPad.
Connected device support
Limited but growing. Vudu is accessible via the PS3, Boxee Box and an increasing number of HDTV and Blu-ray players from Vizio, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Toshiba and more.
Our take
Although best in quality, being expensive and lacking its own source library makes and high speed internet connection makes it a tough choice.
3. Hulu plus
For those of you who prefer watching your favorite TV shows on the biggest screen in the house while stretched out across your recliner, the Hulu Plus subscription service is available on the WD TV⢠Live Plus and WD TV⢠Live Hub.
Cost
For $7.99/month.
PC/Mac access
Yes, via Hulu.com and the Hulu Desktop application.
Mobile device Support
iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, Android. The service will now be available on eight more devices than before, including three Motorola phones, three HTC devices and two LG phones.
Connected device support
Roku, PlayStation 3, TiVo Premiere (soon), Xbox 360 (soon) and select HDTV and Blu-ray players from Vizio, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Haier and Samsung.
Our take
Hulu Plus is a paid version of Huluâs media streaming service, which allows users to view content on their smart phones and tablets. However, compatibility issues with Android is the only problem that mist customers are facing, but company is planning to take it further.
4. Amazon video on demand
Amazon Video On Demand is an Internet video on demand service, which offers television shows and films for rental and purchase. Earlier the service became available as Amazon Unbox and was rebranded as “Amazon Video on Demand.”
Uniqueness
The uniqueness of Amazon’s approach with Video on Demand can be estimated, as it may very well have struck a good balance between “owning” content and not having to manage it.
Cost
Video on Demand offers some refreshing differences, for instance, virtually every movie we clicked was available both to rent and purchase in prices ranging from $2.99-3.99 for rentals, and $9.99-14.99 for purchases.
The purchasing process is simple. A “Your Video Library” area organizes all of your purchases and rentals, though an odd quirk of UI design here lists TV shows side-by-side with movies (including rented ones) in alphabetical order.
PC/Mac access
Users of the streaming video on demand service need only a web browser with the Adobe Flash plugin to stream videos via the web browser. Offline viewing requires Windows.
Mobile device support
If you have an older Creative Zen or Archos device or select Nokia smartphones, you might be able to play back downloaded Amazon Unbox content. Otherwise, this is a service designed for the web browser or TV set.
Connected device support
Roku, Logitech Revue, TiVo, select Sony, and Panasonic Blu-ray players, and TVs from Samsung, Panasonic, Vizio and Sony. Amazon maintains this list of supported devices.
Our take
With the ability to purchase content customers can access their content from almost any high-speed Internet connection. Plus, with the renewed interest in extremely small computers that offer just the bare essentials, hooking up a tiny PC (or other device that can handle Flash) to a TV is a cheap and simple way to get all this content into the living room.
5. Netflix
Netflix is a subscription-based movie and television show rental service that offers media to subscribers via Internet streaming and via US mail.
What it’s Offering?
Netflix offers Internet video streaming (“Watch Instantly”) of selected titles to computers running Windows or Mac OS X and to compatible devices.
PC/Mac access
Yes, using a web browser (requires Microsoft Silverlight), Windows 7 Media Center, Plex, or Boxee.
Mobile device support
iPhon, iPod touch, iPad and Windows Phone 7.
Connected device support
Roku, TiVo, the new Apple TV, Google TV, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and countless HDTV sets, Blu-ray players and other devices.
Cost
Streaming only plans start at $7.99 a month.
Our Take
“Throttling” (priority shipping) and Netflix’s API (Application Programming Interface). The Netflix API allows access to data for all Netflix titles as well as access on a user’s behalf to manage their movie queue. It is one of the largest streaming content libraries and capturing subscribers by the millions.
6. Youtube Live
Googleâs YouTube integrate live streaming capabilities and discovery tools directly into the YouTube platform as YouTube Live, where you can always find the most compelling live events happening on YouTube and add events to your calendar.
PC/Mac access
Yes, using a web browser, Windows.
Connected device support
Its streaming beta platform will allow certain YouTube partners with accounts in good standing to stream live content on YouTube only.
Cost
New customers can subscribe to a $99 six-month season pass right on YouTube, with payments being facilitated by Google Checkout.
Our take
The problem with live streaming is that you have to be there for the actual event and that is not an easy thing to remember with so many live streams. The good news is that a handy little tool lets you pop the stream you want to watch straight in to either iCal, Outlook or Google Calendar.
7. CinemaNow
Best buy collaborated with Sonic solutions to offer on-demand video content to web-connected televisions, portable media players, PCs, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes and mobile phones. This partnership is ready to bear fruit with the launch of the CinemaNow Digital Entertainment Platform.
What it’s offering?
The platform will allow consumers access to new release movies and television shows.
PC/Mac access
Windows only no Mac. Initially through connected Blu-ray disc players and HDTVs in addition to PCs via the CinemaNow website.
Connected device support
Access through other devices, including best buyâs Insignia brand, is expected to be available later in the year along with an updated interface which will include expanded playback features.
Cost
Three day free subscription trial with subscription membership $29.95 per month for access to free content (does not include hollywood titles); $99.95 per year for access to free content (does not include hollywood titles) and pay per view/download with rental movies typically cost $2.99 to $3.99. To keep movies typically costs $9.95 to $19.99.
Our take
CinemaNow is one of the biggest players in the movie download market and deservedly so. The download manager software is simple yet powerful and the quality of movies is as good as you’ll find on the web.
