Not quite. I still can't take a movie I purchased using Xbox Video and play it in Windows Media Player. I can't play it on an Android device, an iPhone, iPad, Lunix, OSX... In fact I can't play it anywhere that isn't a Windows Phone 8, Windows Metro or an Xbox. And even then only once I've signed in with a Microsoft ID.
there is a industry with a lousy product, that can make a much better offering instantly with very little effort, but they are to afraid to do so.
the consumer who opt for piracy is not actively choosing to harm the content creators. but the ecosystem that preys on those content creators is killing itself by preventing people from even buying their products with comfort, and in doing so is harming the content creators.
think about all the bands that started to distribute their own music. nin is way better off. as well as their fans. the only casuality is the record labels and others that used to prey on the band, who used to provide a benefit for the fans when distribution was physical. now, all they do is screw the content creators and fans in a vain attempt to remain relevant and siphoning dollars as they are used to.
- free
- watch on any device you want, keep the file(s)
- no advertisements
- content producer does not get your money
- excellent content selection
- no regional restrictions
- not instant (must download first, then watch) - but: easy to automate auto downloads, can watch offline
Streaming:
- not free, but cheap
- extremely limited selection
- requires proprietary software (OK if you are Windows/Mac/Android/iOS user; not acceptable for Linux/BSD user)
- instant, no need to wait for download
- content creator gets paid
- regional restrictions
- other arbitrary restrictions (i.e. can't watch on Hulu Xbox app, can watch on Hulu in browser, wat do?)
- advertisements on some services
- network connection necessary for viewing
Piracy is a better deal for the consumer. If you do not care about the entertainment industry's profits, it is hard to justify paying for something inferior to the free option.
edit, formatting.
Not really. It depends on the format you desire and can fine. There are plenty of flash streaming sites out there that will instantly stream content to you, sometimes in HD (depends on what's been uploaded).
That tells you where you can stream or purchase it in various formats. Check what formats Amazon, Apple, Google, Vudu, etc allow you to view the movie in, and you're set.
For now I continue to download pirated versions of all the legit versions I own. My goodwill got me burnt by DRM before, but not again.