Review- Movielink

So, from the the terms I got the most important questions answered: 1) the content is good for 30 days from download or for 24 hours from the beginning of viewing of the content whichever comes first.  2) the content is for use on only 1 computer. You can not copy or move the files from their original location on your hard drive.  3) download manager software must be installed which controls the expiration and subsequent deletion of your content. 

Here’s what these three items meant for me: 1) despite first impressions, my content was not good for 1 month.  I only have 1 day to watch the movie once it has started.  This is worse than Blockbuster or other rental shops where you can watch your movie unlimited times during the week long rental. 2) I wouldn’t be able to download my movie to my laptop at work (on a faster connection) then transfer it later to my HTPC for viewing.  I would have to watch the movie from my laptop or wait and download the movie at home to my HTPC hard drive.  3) Additional software is required.  This is not surprising since they need some way to control the use of content and builtin DRM schemes (digital rights management) like those in Windows Media files are easily defeated.

So, now I had to choose whether this little experiment was still worth it.  I was still a little hesitant, so I browsed the website and decided on downloading some free content as a test.  This would allow me to evaluate the steps involved, including installing the software and saving the video file.  I could always delete the software afterwards and still not be out any cash.  I chose to download a 12-minute featurette on the making of Spiderman 2.  After choosing between Real Media and Windows Media (I chose Windows Media), I was directed to a login page to set up my account.

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