Streaming Video Services: How Do They Compare?
The Internet has created tremendous opportunities to enjoy video just about anywhere. By using a variety of Internet-connected devices and services, instant entertainment abounds. And because the medium is digital streaming, the need to store and maintain piles of discs has disappeared. The chart below compares the key features of a number of today’s most popular video streaming services.
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Search/Save Features |
Subscription Options |
Video/Audio Quality |
Catalog Size |
Device Compatibility* |
Key Pros and Cons |
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Netlfix® |
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Free: 30-day trial Paid: $7.99/month access to unlimited amount of available content from any compatible device
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1080p Stereo or 5.1-channel Dolby® surround, adjusts to equpiment, network capability |
Unofficially, over 30,000 titles |
Home: Most high-speed broadband-enabled televisions, Blu-ray players, and game consoles Mobile: iPad®; Android™, iPhone®, and BlackBerry® smartphones Computers: Mac®, Windows®, tablets |
Pros: Works on myriad devices. Growing streaming selection includes plans to deliver original content Cons: Separate queue and fee for DVD service can be confusing |
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Vudu™ |
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Free: 30-day trial Paid: Pay as you go, $2 per movie for two night rental of standard-definition titles HD titles ranging from $3.99 to $5.99 for new releases |
480i to 1080p Stereo to 7.1-channel Dolby® Digital Plus, depends on equipment compatibility and rental selection |
Unofficially, over 20,000 titles |
Home: Many high-speed broadband-enabled televisions, Blu-ray players, and game consoles Mobile: iPad Computers: Mac, Windows, tablets |
Pros: Works on many devices. No monthly fee New releases simultaneous with DVD release Cons: No saved instant queue feature Not compatible with mobile phones
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Blockbuster® On-Demand |
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Free: Some free content available with registration Paid: Pay as you go, $1.99 - $4.99 for streaming Movie purchase via download $10 and up. |
1080i Stereo |
Unofficially, over 3,000 titles |
Mobile: Some Android phones Computers: Mac, Windows, tablets
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Pros: Works on many devices. No monthly fee Cons: No saved instant queue feature Not compatible with iPod |
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Sony Entertainment Network |
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Free: Movie trailers Paid: Pay as you go, prices vary depending on title and format and range from $0.99 to $5.99 per rental. |
Video quality ranges from standard-definition to 3D Blu-ray Stereo or 5.1-channel Dolby surround, adjusts to equipment, network capability |
No published estimate of library size available. |
Mobile: Some Sony Ericsson Android phones
Home: PS3, some BRAVIA home theater receivers, televisions and Blu-ray players Computers: Sony tablets |
Pros: Some 3D titles Cons: Works primarily with Sony devices No saved instant queue feature Not compatible with iPod |
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huluPLUS™ |
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Free: Regular Hulu is available for free with limited content and commercial interruptions, via computer only, free one week trial of huluPLUS
Paid: huluPLUS is $7.99 per month for unlimited viewing and limited commercial interruption |
HD when available Stereo |
16,000 episodes of 400 current and classic TV programs, some movies |
Mobile: Android, iPhone, iPad Home:Many high-speed broadband-enabled televisions, Blu-ray players, game consoles and TiVo® Computers: Mac, Windows, tablets |
Pros: Works on many devices Large selection of TV content includes entire seasons of shows, both older and current programs Cons: Cost supported in part by commercials that can't be skipped |
* Viewing on mobile or home A/V devices often requires a paid subscription; see video service site for details.
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