Hendin+C+Blog+Post

Hendin C


 * Clark Hendin**

With steady focus on the issue of illegal music downloads, it can be easy to overlook the equally dire concern of people watching and downloading movies from unlicensed websites. The main difference between the two forms of media is the fact that most music lovers prefer to download and listen to their favorite songs over and over again. Movie viewers can simply watch a movie once and be satisfied. They do not need to download a movie to watch on a regular basis. Anyone can go to YouTube and stream the music video to their favorite song. Yet, most people would prefer to download and be able to listen to their favorite songs over and over on their MP3 player. The grievances of the music industry lie in the illegal downloading of their product from peer to peer online file sharing sources.

Most people do not watch their favorite movie nearly as frequently as they listen to their favorite song. Movie viewers today can be easily entertained by watching movies streaming on their computer. Websites like FreeMediaTV.com and QuickSilverScreen.com allow users to stream movies from a copious library of titles. Many times, these sites will post movies before or during their theatrical release. Instead of paying $10 to $15 on a movie ticket, you can watch movies for free without having to download. If viewers prefer to watch movies on a larger screen, they can simply download the file and burn it to a DVD.

This method of movie watching is particularly popular with Gen Y. The typical Gen Y member owns many more CDs than DVDs, indicating that the movie industry is not centered around DVD sales unlike the music industry. Gen Y still likes to go out to the movies just like they still enjoy going to concerts. I still believe once this trend of unlicensed movie streaming gains popularity, which it will, Hollywood will take action just like the music industry.