4 ms·

But why buy a movie when you can just rent it on demand? That way you're not locked in to a particular format or quality level and don't have to worry about bac

• shmerl 10y ago
  > But why buy a movie when you can just rent it on demand? If it's something I like, I prefer to have a backup of it and watch it where I want and how I want. I always do that with music, games and e-books. If it's one time use, then not making backups is more acceptable. You can ask same question about physical books. Why buy it and not just get it in the library? Similar answer will apply. Secondly, unless that streaming is using some ubiquitous cross platform technology (like Web browser without DRM garbage), it won't be available on many platforms and will be tied to provided application. DRM-free file makes it platform independent. Thirdly, I find it weird that streaming should be equated to inability to get a DRM-free file. Streaming is simply convenience (no need to download). But it shouldn't preclude ability to download itself. They are not contradictory, except in the mind of DRM pushers. For instance GOG's failed video service provides ability to stream video, and download it as well. Equating streaming to renting is incorrect.