With the world on pause during the global Pandemic and theatres closed in most countries indefinitely, movie enthusiasts thanked technology for a respite: movies online. This refers to movies provided over the Internet through various streaming services. As compared to non-streaming services such as videotapes and DVDs, online streaming eliminates the need for definite hardware like television sets and cable connection by eliminating the medium and directly delivering services to users worldwide.
Previous Trends in Online Multimedia Streaming
Streaming music without radio existed over computers almost a decade before online films. In the 1990s, due to data compression and video coding format developments, video streaming was made possible. Finally, in the 2000s, due to increased network bandwidth and wide availability of computers over the world led to a massive increase in the online streaming of movies. Now, the dependency on cables, TVs, and Direct to Home (DTH) Service Providers decreases, and using the Internet to do so increases.
Benefits of Online Platforms
The world of online movies is vast and does not limit the rich culture depicted in movies limited by nationality. Users can access movies from all over the world in one place. Many times certain movies of foreign origin are not aired in our country because of various limitations or lack of popularity in the target audience, but these days there are no boundaries on the availability of diverse content.
Another great aspect of online streaming is that you can watch them at your convenience, anytime and anywhere. There is no specified showtime you have to adhere to, which is a blessing to those with a busy schedule. Online platforms also liberate users from having to rely on heavy hardware. You just need a mobile phone or a laptop and a stable internet connection to access the world of movies.
Analyzing the Cost
Many online movie services are free. But these can have certain limitations because many of them are illegal due to their pirated content or use of a lot of data. However, there are certain reliable ones that you can avail as per your location, as some of them can be country-specific. Even though they may not provide all of their content for free, they still have a wide range of available choices.
Finding the Best Option
Midway between these two can be having mobile plans that provide a discount or a limited time free deal on online streaming services. This can take care of two costs necessary to incur to watch movies online. Sometimes, certain libraries provide library cards with access to online streaming services as well.
A little bit of research on your part can unlock the content you desire and can be customized according to your needs. This can be an effective way to relieve yourself of stress during the Pandemic or, in general, for a break. The popular option of watching movies online is a trend that is not likely to go away even after the end of the Pandemic.
