Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

Use Your TV to Rent Movies Online

by Grant Clauser on May 26, 2009

There’s no excuse to put off movie night anymore. These days, there are rentals from your cable, satellite or FiOS provider, DVDs and Blue-ray discs available through the mail—and now, a variety of online rental services.

Contrary to what you might believe, online rentals don’t require hooking your computer up to your TV. There are a number of set-top boxes dedicated to this, and the equipment you already have may be capable of video rentals. TiVo and other DVRs, video game consoles, Blu-ray disc players and even some TVs themselves allow you to rent movies if they can connect to the Internet.

If you’re renting, the video is sent down bit by bit, or streamed, so you can’t save a copy. If you buy, the movies or TV shows are stored permanently on your device. In most cases, the rental prices are cheaper than what you'd find at a rental store and there are no late or restocking fees, but rentals usually expire 24 hours after you start viewing the movie.

Once you've hooked up the device you’re going to use to your TV and set up your account information, renting videos is a snap. Most services offer an on-screen menu of titles with "box" shots, descriptions, and ratings. You just use your remote to pick a movie and wait for it to start. Depending on the service, and the strength of your broadband connection, most movies begin in just a couple of minutes.

So, you may be wondering, "If it's that simple, then why do we still have discs?"

Well, first off, not everyone has broadband access in their living room. These services generally work best with a wired connection, as Wi-fi can be too unreliable for the large amounts of data involved in high quality video moving to your rental device.

Secondly, the online selection may not be as big as your video store and sometimes new releases aren't available as early as they are on disc.

Finally, the picture quality, while good, isn't as good as the actual disc versions. Standard-definition streamed movies don't look as good as DVDs, and high-definition streams don't nearly rival their Blu-ray counterparts. However, if convenience is what you're looking for, then these products and services are sure to please.

Online Video Services

  Amazon Video
on Demand
iTunes BlockBuster
OnDemand
Roxio
CinemaNow
Netflix
Watch Instantly
Library 40,000+ 50,000+ 40,000+ Not as large
as stores
14,000+
Standard Definition
Movie Rental
$2.99 $2.99 $1.99 $1.99 2 hours with $4.99 DVD subscription
unlimited with $8.99 DVD subscription
Standard Definition
TV Show Rental
$1.99 N/A N/A N/A 2 hours with $4.99 DVD subscription
unlimited with $8.99 DVD subscription
High Definition
Movie Rental
$3.99 $3.99 N/A N/A unlimited with $9.99 DVD subscription
High Definition
TV Show Rental
$2.99 N/A N/A N/A unlimited with $9.99 DVD subscription
Standard Definition
Movie Purchase
$9.99 $9.99 N/A $7.95 N/A
Standard Definition
TV Show Purchase
$1.99 $1.99 N/A $1.99 N/A
High Definition
Movie Purchase
N/A $19.99 N/A N/A N/A
High Definition
TV Show Purchase
$2.99 $2.99 N/A N/A N/A

 


Topics

Music and Video, Video Players & Recorders, Music & Video Services

The Players

Roku Digital Video PlayerRoku Digital Video Player ($99) Access to Amazon Video on Demand and Netflix.
Buy Now

 

Apple TVApple TV ($229 for 40GB, $329 for 160GB version) Stream standard or high definition movies and TV shows from iTunes or play your saved iTunes collection on your computer through the device.
Buy 40GB Version Now
Buy 160GB Version Now

 

vuduvudu ($149) vudu is an all high-defintion streaming box. The rental library contains over 13,000 titles and includes new releases the same day they become available on DVD. Movies go for $3.99 to $5.99 with no monthly fee. Out of the box, it requires a wired Ethernet hookup, but a wireless kit is available for $79.
Buy Now

 

LG BD390 Blu-ray player

LG BD390

There are several Blu-ray players currently available that, via their Ethernet connection and an onboard application, allow you to access the Netflix library. Check out the LG’s BD370 (wired) and BD390 (wireless) models. They range in price from $299 to $399.
Buy LG BD370 Now
Buy LG BD390 Now

 

2Wire MediaPoint Digital Media Player2Wire MediaPoint Digital Media Player ($99 includes 25 movie rentals) The MediaPoint player works with BlockBuster’s OnDemand service. The Internet connection can be either wired or wireless.
Buy Now

 

TiVo HD

TiVo HD

TiVo (Series 2, 3, HD and HD XL $149 -$599) This DVR now gives you access to Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, CinemaNow, and Blockbuster (forthcoming) online movie libraries.
Buy Series2 Now
Buy HD Now
Buy HD XL Now

 

Sony PlayStation 3PlayStation 3 ($399) Through the PS3’s online store you can both rent and purchase TV shows and movies (as well as PlayStation games) in standard or high definition. The selection isn’t as extensive as Netflix but it does include many current releases. Movie rentals cost $2.99 -$5.99 and movie purchases (which get stored on the console’s hard drive) go for $9.99 - $14.99.
Buy Now

 

Microsoft Xbox 360Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro ($299) This video game system works with Netflix, Roxio CinemaNow, and Blockbuster (forthcoming) video services. In addition to your account with the video rental service, you must be an Xbox LIVE Gold member ($49.99/year).
Buy Now


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.