Most of us have multiple streaming service subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc). As money becomes tighter, some want to lighten their monthly subscription spend and here are some legal ways to stream.

Kanopy

Kanopy offers an interesting portfolio of artistic and classic films. Before you close this page thinking the content is low-grade, know that they even have some films from the Criterion collection.

Kanopy also supports AppleTV, Roku, Chromecast, AndroidTV, FireTV and SamsungTV.

The catch is that you have to be a member of an organization that is subscribed to their service (local library or University ) The one important note is that their film catalogue changes regularly so if you see a film you want to watch, stream it quickly.

Popcornflix

I know the name sounds like one of those Android side-loadable illegal BitTorrent streaming "services" but it isn't. Popcornflix offers comedies and mainstream movies (many recent releases) for free in exchange for inserting ads while you watch. You can watch Popcornflix through any modern web browser or via apps on Roku, AppleTV, Google Play, Amazon or Xbox.

Internet Archive

Many technical geeks know Internet Archive for their service that is trying to archive the web for posterity.

In addition to that noble cause, they also store and stream a considerable amount of classic black and white films (from days gone by). The Internet Archive waits until the copyright expires and then stores and streams it. Everything they stream is in the original unedited format.

Crackle

Crackle has been around for a while but never seems to have caught on. Owned by Sony, it offers relatively modern TV shows and movies for free. They monetize the service by inserting ads. Crackle offers some cult classic films that other platforms don't, so it is worth a look.

Hoopla

Similar to Kanopy, Hoopla requires you to be a member of a library that offers its services. Hoopla is owned by Midwest Tape, a company that supplies libraries with DVDs, CDs and audiobooks.

You sign up using your library card and you will instantly gain access to hundreds of movies and TV shows. Hoopla works via your web browser, on most tablets (Android, iPad), Smartphones (Android and iPhone) or on TV-connected devices like AppleTV, AndroidTV, Chromecasts, Roku and FireTV.

A new standard for better HD video streaming

January 29, 2013technologyEdward Kiledjian

Over the last couple of years, we have been treated a fantastic group of web TV and movies streaming services (Netflix, HULU, BBC iPlayer, etc). These services are wonderful when they work smoothly and f...r...u.s....t....r...a...t..i.....n..g when they don't (buffer pains anyone). Now imagine what high definition (and even ultraHD) would do to an already bad streaming situation.

The MPEG group submitted a new proposal which was quickly adopted by the ITU as the next generation streaming standard (now called H.265). At the very core, it halves the bandwidth requirement compared to the current standard. The new High Efficiency Video Coding standard currently includes 8-bit, 10-bit and photo profiles to accommodate most 2D recording and playback. Expect 3D, Chroma, 12-bit and other profiles to follow as the standard develops.

I love it when technology actually makes our lives easier and more enjoyable. Raise your glass for smoother, higher quality video.

Canadian companies showing BB10 some love

January 23, 2013technologyEdward Kiledjian

We are 7 days away from the launch of Blackberry 10 and RIM is maintaining its promise of 70,000 apps at launch. Demos and leaks have already shown Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Foursquare clients. We also expect the major public media apps like Songza, Pandora, HULU Mobile and Sticher to make their services available.

Canadian companies will be showing Blackberry 10 some love and now we are learning that some household names will also release BB10 optimized apps including Air Canada, President's Choice, Tim Horton's and the Weather Network.

If RIM can deliver an excellent user experience wrapped in a healthy and thriving ecosystem then the new Blackberry 10 may just have a chance.

Sites to legally watch streaming movies