A comparative article on the pros and cons of streaming over theatres
Streaming comes from the word stream which simply means continuous flow of data. Hence, one can interpret 'online streaming' as a continuous flow of data while connected to the internet. Instead of downloading the file into the device, we can watch it in real-time which is more efficient than downloading the media files.
While, traditionally, we have the concept of cinema halls where we have the privilege of viewing films for entertainment on big screens.
So basically both serve the same purpose, but, in this modern age, when technology has reached a new height, what is the preference of society?
- We can get immediate access to media at any point in time, irrespective of our location. We also get the control to pause, rewind or replay the content at any point of the stream. The user doesn’t have to go through the struggle of choosing the desired seats. Adding to the advantage of streaming, the user gets to consume the videos on their own time and not on others’ time. So its upon the consumers when and on what they want to invest their time in, which is clearly not possible while watching a movie in a theatre.
- According to the convenience of the user, one can explore any content from any genre, the streaming quality any time. The user gets the advantage of creating a playlist of the files as per their choice. Hence, giving them an extra edge over the theatre.
- It’s definitely cheaper as compared to halls as the user have an option to pay a minimum amount for a monthly subscription to an online streaming service and enjoy tons of films and shows comfortably anywhere is a great add-on to their choices. Also, some service providers are even free.
- The user gets to select their media of choice and enjoy it at peace, without any hustle-bustle going around. Especially, considering the current condition, it is not advisable to have a huge crowd around you. Hence, that’s the reason why halls are mostly closed during this pandemic.
- Being able to access movies and shows in the comfort and safety of one’s own home will likely be the downfall of many movie theatres in the future.
- Many service providers provide the users with the facility of serving with multiple devices depending upon the subscription choice. Hence, one needs to make a single subscription transaction.
- With more people stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, streaming services like Xcine are seeing massive growth, since the Production companies are now tying up with these platforms to release their movies.
At last but not least, with developing technologies and emerging companies, online streaming has found its way through. Movie theatres are already dying breeds. In no less time, we can expect streaming services to completely over-rule the traditional movie releases.
It might seem odd to suddenly divert our preference from the traditional choice to the latest technology, but one should always be open to changes and accept them with time while considering all the advantages.
A lover of the film only needs three things: a subscription to a streaming service, a computer or tablet, and an internet connection. Nevertheless, let’s not forget our first big-screen movie. The world is being overtaken by the streaming services steadily but the community experience that a cinema theatre holds is still irreplaceable. Nothing beats the experience of watching an epic in a cinema hall filled with different people all experiencing the same emotions at the same time. We live in a world where both can co-exist simultaneously.
