3 Ways to Rent a Movie in Various Ways

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Despite a decrease in the number of specialty shops, renting a movie isn't as complicated as it sounds. With new technologies, it is now possible to purchase HD streaming content from the comfort of your home at reasonable prices. If, on the other hand, you want to rent a copy of a DVD, there are many options to choose from, cheap or even free. This article will show you how to watch live streaming movies, whether on mobile devices, computers and televisions, or rent copies of a DVD. Sea monsters, super heroes, tragic loves and Pulp Fiction await you.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Watch a Live Streaming Movie

Step 1. Make sure you have the necessary Internet connection speed and that you have installed the plug-in needed to stream movies

The most common way to watch a movie is usually to stream live over the Internet, or temporarily rent a movie over the network. You can watch them on a mobile device, computer, or by connecting a Network Media Player to the TV, (practice which will be explained later). Nowadays, it is possible to watch high definition videos and movies without even leaving the house, as long as your computer is equipped with the following:

• The speed of 1.5 megabits per second is usually required for normal viewing, while 5.0 is the speed required for viewing HD videos and movies. If your internet connection doesn't have this speed, try consulting your carrier to increase it.
• The HTML5 plugin is required to use Netflix or most other streaming services. This should be standard with most of the most up-to-date browsers, otherwise, if necessary, try updating your software.

Step 2. Check the system requirements for the video

Make sure your computer has the proper system requirements to properly stream HD video, or you may run into slow buffering issues and the movie will look grainy, almost like an old videotape. 1080p streaming content, used by most streaming services, should be compatible with iPad 3rd generation or later and Apple TV 3rd generation or later. The requirements for Mac and PC devices are the following:

• Mac requirements

  • Mac OS X v10.5 or later
  • iTunes 10 or later
  • 2.0 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo or higher processor
  • At least 1 GB of RAM
  • A monitor that supports HDCP with a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768 or higher

• Windows requirements

  • 32 or 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows 8; Windows XP and Vista do not support HDCP
  • iTunes 10 or later
  • 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or higher processor
  • At least 1 GB of RAM
  • A video driver that supports HDCP, (you may need to contact the manufacturer of your device to determine if the video driver supports HDCP)
  • A monitor that supports HDCP with a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768 or higher with a digital connection, (DVI, DisplayPort or HDMI).

  

  Step 3. Sign up for an online streaming video rental service

  Renting a movie is a breeze if you subscribe to a video streaming service with a monthly fee. Many of them offer a great variety of old and new content and playing the video is a breeze as you just have to click the play button. To get started, go to the homepage of the streaming service you are interested in and create an account. Some of the most popular streaming services are:

  • Netflix
  • Amazon Prime
  • Voodoo
  • Hulu Plus

  

  Step 4. Rent movies directly from iTunes or GooglePlay

  If you already have an iTunes account, you can rent a movie right away too. The biggest difference between renting from iTunes or GooglePlay and a streaming service is that you will be able to download the content for a limited time and you will be able to watch it during this time, until the content disappears. You can view the content on your computer and other mobile devices that you have set up to be compatible with the service.

  • If you don't have an account and want to create one, go to the site of the service you are interested in and add your ID and billing information. To start you will have to download the software in question and then you can finally choose from a lot of video and music content.
  • Downloading content from the Internet is generally the best choice if you have a slow Internet connection. It may take a while to download the entire content, but you will then be able to watch it without having to pause to wait for it to fully load.

  

  Step 5. Select a video

  If you are using Netflix, iTunes, or any other streaming or online rental service, you can browse the available options and select the video you want. Most services allow you to read a synopsis of the movie, as well as related reviews from other users, and even browse recommended content based on previous viewing choices and your own reviews. Look for something interesting and, once you have decided what to see, select the content to get it started.

  • If you have a particular title in mind, you can search for it in the search bar by title, director or actor name, or a specific genre, if you want to see more choice options.
  • If you don't have a particular title in mind, try taking a look at the most recent popular options among new videos that you probably haven't seen yet. Take a few minutes to rate some of your favorite movies so the online service can automatically select and recommend a classic you may never have seen.

  

  Step 6. Let the video load if necessary

  If you are watching streaming content, it may take some time for it to load, depending on the speed of your Internet connection. At certain times of the day, especially in the early evening, given the high number of connected users, basic Internet connections will slow down considerably; Furthermore, having multiple devices connected in streaming at the same time is another factor that could slow down the transmission speed considerably. If you are not satisfied with the connection speed of your Internet network, try to consult your telephone operator for any updates and solutions, in order to take steps to improve the quality of the streaming.

  Try streaming only one device at a time. Pause any other downloads or previously opened online browsers so that the connection is faster for the chosen video. If your connection is still slow, try pausing the video and waiting for the content to load

  Method 2 of 3: Streaming TV Movies

  

  Step 1. Set up a Network Media Player to watch streaming videos on your TV

  Network media players are like conductors that allow you to connect to the Internet and at the same time also to your TV, which allows you to watch streaming videos on the big screen. Roku and AppleTV are examples of these devices, but newer video game consoles also have this technology installed. Most of these devices are connected via ethernet cables or wirelessly. Each type of device will involve a slightly different installation process, depending on the model or brand. Examples of network media players are:

  • Apple TV
  • X-Box 360 or higher
  • Playstation 3 or higher
  • Roku

  

  Step 2. Log into your rental streaming service profile, or possibly create a new one

  After installing the network media player, use the supplied remote to switch to the streaming service you are subscribed to and log in. If, on the other hand, you need to create a new account, you can also use the same network player to do so, by entering your billing information or connecting it to an existing account.

  

  Step 3. Select a movie

  See the various options as you usually do on a computer, but this time using the remote control. It should work almost exactly the same as on your PC and should include the same basic information as your online account when you log in via your computer. For example, if you left a Netflix movie halfway through on your laptop, you can start exactly where it left off and watch it on your TV.

  

  Step 4. Alternatively, you could rent pay-per-view movies via the digital terrestrial decoder

  The classic way to rent a movie is to pay for it directly through the TV rental service, or buy video on-demand through digital terrestrial. You can usually view movies on the menu screen, select one for purchase, and tune in immediately, or when ready. Payment can be made through the account previously linked to the digital terrestrial decoder.

  Method 3 of 3: Rent DVDs

  

  Step 1. Create an account for a DVD provider

  If you want a physical copy of a DVD, the most common way to rent a movie is to use a DVD distribution service. For example, Netflix allows you to select a list of movies that you are interested in, which will be packed in envelopes and shipped directly to your home in a few days. You can keep the film as long as you like and return it for free with the original box intact. You can also use this service in addition to a possible account for streaming movies, or select a single service. To subscribe and receive DVDs from Netflix:

  • Select the option for streaming movies or DVDs. There are a variety of options, some more expensive than others. For example, if you only want the streaming service, this is the cheapest option. If you want the streaming service and the DVD service occasionally, this option will be slightly more expensive. Check out Netflix for the various options and costs.
  • Once you have entered your billing information and shipping address, you can search the available DVDs and queue them for shipping. There are many thousands more DVD movies available through Netflix than streaming. However, the Netflix service is not yet available in Italy, but negotiations are underway to bring it to Italy as of 2015.

  

  Step 2. Consider other alternatives

  There are other services similar to Netflix, although the range of DVDs available for delivery may vary from company to company. For example, in Italy you can consult the innovative Filmacasa, with a logic very similar to that of Netflix. There are other companies such as:

  • Blockbuster
  • DVD Avenue
  • DVD Barn
  • Wal-Mart DVD Rental

  

  Step 3. Find a RedBox distributor in your neighborhood

  If you don't want to pay for a monthly fee, you may want to look for a RedBox distributor near you. Often located near fast food outlets, grocery stores, malls and other busy places, RedBoxes vending machines are touch screen kiosks that allow you to choose from a small variety of movies and rent the DVD immediately by paying by credit card.

  • To find a RedBox distributor, you can search on Google maps to find the closest one, or you can check the company's website by entering the postcode and find a list of RedBox distributors in your area of residence.
  • You can keep the rented DVD for as long as you like, but the cost will be increased, so it will be to your advantage to return it quickly. It is also possible to return a DVD to any other RedBox kiosk, not just the one used to rent it.

  

  Step 4. Go to a local DVD library

  If you want a DVD without paying, the best option is definitely the local library. Most libraries have a large selection of new and old DVDs available for rent. The newest movies may not be available, but libraries are a great place to find old classics and hitherto unknown foreign films. Plus it's free. Excellent isn't it?

  • Most libraries allow you to rent DVDs for up to a week each, and any overdue payments for late delivery are usually slightly higher than those charged on books.
  • If you don't have a library card, you will usually need to provide proof of residence in the area where it is located, but you can sign up to get one and rent at least one movie right away. Go to your nearest library that also offers DVD rental and consult a clerk for more information.

  

  Step 5. Find rental shops in your neighborhood

  While streaming rental has made it difficult for local rental firms to work, you can find some shops that mainly deal with cult movies and other classics. If your tastes are more oriented towards 50s movies or Italian neo-realism, for example, you might be lucky and find a hidden treasure in the alleys of your city.