Video: P2P vs. Free Online
A short Ask The Readers article over at Lifehacker got me thinking on a topic. Their article is: “Is File Sharing Just More Convenient?“
The meat of the question is, why do people torrent files they can get legally for free? The example given is the more than 1 million downloads of the new Prison Break premier. I think there are a few reasons why getting the show from a P2P network can be preferable to getting it off the FOX Network site.
For TV shows, I recently watched all the available episodes of Burn Notice online at the USA Network site for the show. The video feed was not smooth, it wasn’t bad, but not great. If I download the same show from peers, the bit rate is almost always much higher.
Another big reason to download a show. I can skip around. For some reason web players make fast forward and reverse much trickier than they should be. If I miss a line, I want instant replay, not an adventure in click/buffer/pause/pray.
Speaking of instant replay… You know how shows like to reference bits and pieces from previous episodes? If I was half asleep through a show, I probably missed subtle clue #40. If I have a season of a show downloaded I can actually go back and rewatch a particular episode or part of an episode with little to no pain.
I also don’t have to keep my browser open when I download files. If I need to leave, I like to turn my PC off, that doesn’t play friendly with online shows.
At least those are the first reasons that come to mind when I think of why I would torrent a show rather than view it by another (free) legal method. Either way though, I’m not big on downloading TV shows.
What are some reasons you might get some files through P2P rather than another free and legal method?
Why should I care if it’s illegal if it can’t be enforced?
Chris Schaffer Reply:
September 10th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Good point.
I think one of the major issues, is portability. Those “free” web access shows are not able to be put on the ol’ Ipod for my commute. To me, it is a matter of use; if I cannot use it in the manner I wish, what is the point?
Chris Schaffer Reply:
September 10th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I hear that. I’m not big on portable video (yet), but it is a huge limiting factor.