VOD: User Guide

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What is VOD?

VOD for purchase and rental allows films to be discovered on platforms for the first time 4 months after their theatrical release. This allows you to find movies from different studios in one store on each platform and be able to buy or rent them without subscription or advertising.

We select a movie from the available titles and rent it for viewing or buy it eventually. So we only pay for what we actually choose to watch, like at the movies. Purchase allows you to build a digital movie library that is available anytime and on most of your connected devices.

For purchase or rental, VOD is the fastest way to see the latest movies after their theatrical release. This is one of the most beautiful exhibitions of cinema.

VOD in all its forms:

More broadly, VOD refers to “video on demand.” So we sometimes talk about VoD in good French! This is the name of the “à la carte” movie offering, which offers the rental and purchase of movies.

We provide some clarification as this term is sometimes used by other streaming services as well. These are, for example, free VOD with advertising “AVOD” and subscription VOD “SVOD” or free streaming channels “FAST”, which offer programs without subscription but with advertising. There is also prominent television or even some social media that can create a lot of confusion around the term.

Finding films to rent on VOD and buy à la carte is ultimately quite simple: it is often indicated on the services “VOD for purchase and rental”, “VOD premium” or “A la carte” and sometimes also in “Video Club”.

To get to the point, for purchase or rental, VOD allows you to choose only the movie you want to see or missed at the cinema, without subscription or advertising.

How to find movies on VOD?

Among the main VOD platforms that offer rental and purchase in France are for example Orange VOD, CANAL VOD, FilmoTV and VIVA by VIDEOFUTUR.

You can also find VOD to buy and rent on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV or Rakuten TV among the various offers.

Other more specialized platforms also offer an excellent selection of films to rent and buy with an editorial approach, such as ArteVOD, LaCinetek or Universciné.

Absolutely anyone can watch movies on VOD as long as you have an internet connection and a way to pay. Creating an account on the platform is easy and allows you to find your movies there.

The advantage of VOD is that you can find movies from different studios in one place for your selection without having to switch platforms.

On which devices and in what quality?

VOD is available on all connected devices: TV is recommended for the best experience, but it’s also available on smartphones and tablets when you’re on the go. Content quality allows you to enjoy an experience up to Ultra HD on certain movies and compatible devices. This is the recommended format for a home cinema session on the big screen in the living room! In addition, some content benefits from language and subtitle selection, as well as compatible home theater sound.

The platforms are generally available directly on the TV in your Internet box services or applications, if it is “smart” (connected). If you can’t find your favorite service, check the app store. It is also often possible to stream content from a smartphone via wi-fi or bluetooth to Chromecast, Android TV, Airplay, etc. Thanks to the functions. On PC, Mac and other devices, VOD can be viewed on the website or in a dedicated app when it exists, it’s up to you which is most practical! You can also switch devices and find rented or purchased movies to watch.

Rent or buy?

Purchase: Program purchased on VOD is ultimately purchased by you and forms part of your collection. So you can watch as many times as you want. Files are secure, online and linked to your account: you can watch it on one or more screens and you don’t need to move it as an attachment. It will be available on devices linked to your account.

Rental: After rental and transaction confirmation, the movie is available for 30 days in most cases, and you generally have 48 hours to watch it once you start watching.

WHAT IT COSTS ?

Each service has its own price list, offers and promotions. What you need to remember is that the prices are free. So look out for deals! Renting costs a few euros, while buying can cost twice as much or more, but allows you to keep it. Buying a novelty costs 10 to 20 euros, which is equivalent to a cinema ticket. The rest of the catalog is generally a bit cheaper and the platforms regularly offer promotions. As in stores, new releases and blockbusters are therefore sometimes more or less expensive when they come out on video. Watch the contest!

The prices of VOD movies are quite affordable: from a few euros you can watch the latest movie with your family from your living room.

How to find a specific movie on VOD?

It’s very simple: every movie or series file on AlloCiné has a “VOD” link, either in the file menu or next to the trailer button. Rental and purchase links are offered when the program is available online in partnership with CNC.

Keep up with all the news on VOD and legal streaming platforms in AlloCiné’s new VOD section, completely redesigned to serve you better!

Go further… Famous media timelines

The famous media chronology determines in France the order in which different media can offer films on their platforms. One thing to keep in mind is that after theaters, movies first become available for purchase and rental on VOD. Later they will also be available in subscription forms and finally on free services with advertisements such as TV channels. The chronology sometimes evolves through discussions among professionals and changes in usage among viewers.