The on-demand world is in demand.
Thousands of movies and TV shows are available for instant viewing online. Just go to a (legal) downloading Web site, click on “Batman” and the tale of the Caped Crusader begins in moments. No schlepping to the video store or waiting for discs to arrive in the mail.
Here’s a look at some of the services and devices that allow users to watch programs online.
APPLE ITUNES
Selection: 1,600 movies and TV shows for rental or purchase, and 10,000 music videos for rental
Terms: If you rent a video, you have 30 days to start watching it. Once you start watching, you have 24 hours to complete your viewing. If you buy a video, it stays on your computer.
Cost: TV show rentals cost $2; movie rentals start at $3; movie purchases start at $10.
For more: Go to apple.com. Click on “iPod + iTunes.”
AMAZON UNBOX
Selection: 20,000 movies and TV shows for rental or purchase
Terms: If you rent a video, you have 30 days to start watching it. Once you start watching it, you have 24 hours to complete your viewing. If you buy a video, it stays on your computer.
Cost: Most TV show rentals cost $2; movie rentals start at $3; movie purchases start at $5.
For more: Go to amazon.com. Click on “digital downloads,” then “Unbox movie & TV downloads.”
NETFLIX
Selection: 6,000 movies and TV shows for viewing. Unlike Amazon Unbox or Apple iTunes, it doesn’t offer many new releases because of issues with streaming movie rights.
Terms: The videos can be watched at any time while online.
Cost: Streaming movie service comes with subscriptions at no extra cost. However, viewing hours are limited for members on the $5-per-month plan.
For more: Go to netflix.com. Click on “browse selection,” then “browse our instant watching selection.”
CONNECT YOUR COMPUTER TO YOUR TV
1. Look at the back of your computer for a monitor connection. It should be a 15-pin VGA output, a DVI connection or an S-Video output. If you’re unsure, check the video section of your computer’s user manual.
2. Check your TV connections. If you own an analog set, look for an S-Video input. Most digital TVs have a VGA input.
3. For analog TVs, use an S-Video cable and a 1/8-inch left/right RCA cable for sound to connect to the computer. If your computer has only VGA, you should use a VGA-to-S-Video adaptor. For digital TVs, use a 15-pin VGA cable and a 1/8-inch left/right cable.
4. For troubleshooting, go to techlore.com for detailed instructions.
