Online Video and Movie Download Services have definitely turned the corner for improved online access, much like online music downloads.  You can now rent or buy movies online, which are then download to your PC.  In my search, I was only able to locate two providers who were easy to use and provided recent and up to date movies along with frequent new releases.  I find this to be an excellent alternative to making regular trips to the video store, only to find the movie I want isn't on the shelf!

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For online movie downloads, you will need a Broadband connection of DSL or CABLE.  The size of most movie files is around 1.5G, so the speed of your connection will be an important consideration.  Although most online movie providers advertise a download time of about 20 minutes via Broadband connection, I found it has taken much longer.  Many of my downloads have taken 4 to 5 hours to complete even with a Broadband connection. 

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Movie download rentals can usually be stored on your PC for up to 30 days.  Once you start watching the video, you can view it as much as you want for 24 hours.  However, you MUST complete the movie within 24 hours after it starts.  If you wish to watch that movie again after the 24 hours has expired, you will be required to pay an additional charge.  The good news is, you do not have to download the movie again since it resides on your PC already.  Once you have completed watching the rental, you must delete it from your PC.  You should check with the online movie rental provider for their specific requirements.

Movie download purchases are also downloaded to your PC, where you can keep them stored indefinitely.  You can watch them as much as you want.  However, providers have different rules about making movie copies or burning to DVD.  Some allow you to copy the file to storage for backup purposes, or possibly for use on up to 3 other PC's.  Most providers restrict sharing the movie file due to copyright restrictions. As mentioned above, you should check with the online movie provider for their specific legal requirements.

Streaming Video is another option available, but I would not recommend this as an alternative to movie downloads.  Data packet loss that occurs during Internet transmission, and buffering techniques used by video programs, result in a choppy video that randomly starts and stops to compensate for various transmission line requirements.  Streaming video simply does not provide the quality necessary to enjoy a full length movie video.

Pier-to-Pier (P2P) file sharing networks are also beginning to appear for online movie rentals.  These sites advertise incredibly low prices for downloading movies and burning them to DVD.  P2P networks can  expose users to the potential for copyright infringement because virtually ANYONE on the P2P network can make a movie available for download.  If you decide to try one of these services, make sure you follow all copyright laws to avoid legal issues.

The two online movie download companies I tried are CinemaNow and Movielink, LLC .  Both providers have a substantial inventory of legal movies available.  They both offer rentals and purchases, and post new releases as they come out.  Both sites are easy to use, and prices for purchases and rentals are comparable.

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For online video downloads, my recommendation currently goes to Movielink, LLC .  Movielink® is the movie download service for broadband users, offering over a thousand new and classic hit movies. Customers can watch movies on a PC, TV, or a notebook for traveling, and prices start at $1.99 per movie. This service also includes Movielink Manager software to organize and manage your movie downloads.  The software is very simple to use and provides a single location to track both rented and purchased videos. The ability to purchase videos is also available from within the Windows Media Player online store menu option. From my experience, the download speed from Movielink has also proven faster. 

Movielink offers movies on the same day as their DVD release date—most as low as $14.99 for the first week, including titles like “Mission: Impossible III,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “The Da Vinci Code” (avail. Nov. 14) and more. Plus, it’s easier than ever to download movies and play them back on a TV. They have instructions right on their web site! Just select GET HELP from their main screen, then select PC-to-TV Connection.

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You can also purchase new release DVD's online from BestBuy.com.  

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Whichever method you select, ENJOY THE SHOW!!