The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has taken a rather surprising step with the launch of a website called WhereToWatch. The MPAA is apparently dialing it down a bit as far as online streaming of movies and TV shows is concerned. WhereToWatch lets you search for your favorite movie or TV show and points you to where you can legally stream it from, or rent it or buy it.
The MPAA touts the website as a "one-stop shop where you can search for your favorite movies and TV shows online quickly, simply and in an ad-free environment. We connect you directly to content sites that provide every option available to buy, rent or stream the title you’re looking for."
WhereToWatch is much smarter than just delivering on queries about your streaming options; it will search movie theaters nearby your location, detailing show timings and dates for your favorite movie; all you have to do is enter in your area zip code. More so, where you can watch trailers of movies and TV shows, the site also contains behind-the-scene features of your favorite flicks, courtesy of MPAA’s own online magazine; The Credits. If the content you’re interested in is not up for streaming as yet, just flip a few alert switches and you will be notified when it becomes available on the website.
As for MPAA playing nice, the company has cited a study conducted by KPMG which revealed that "as of December 2013, 94 percent of the most popular and critically-acclaimed films were legally available in the U.S. through online services." Realizing this fact and understanding the audience, MPAA has launched this service.
The website sorts through sources such as Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon, Xbox Video and a handful of other sites as well, in an attempt to ensure that viewers get what they are looking for. The website is clutter-free and it should be pretty easy for viewers to find their way around the site in no time. However, the website is listed as beta for now, so give it some time in case you find some glitches.
WhereToWatch is definitely not the best, or the only go-to website for finding streaming movies and TV shows, but who does not like options, especially if one service does not list the content you may be interested in.
To get started, point your browser to: wheretowatch.com
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