The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has launched a new website that will serve as a resource for audiences to legally access movies and TV shows.
The website, at www.WheretoWatch.org, makes it easy for audiences to watch content online by breaking the various services into relevant categories and summarising what each platform provides, including what content is available, how it is supported, and what devices are compatible.
The list is an aggregate based on services available in the US, and although the set of services offering movies and TV shows differ by country, a limited number of services are available in multiple countries.
“Audiences want seamless access to film and TV shows. Our industry has listened, and we are now delivering more choices than ever before,” said Senator Chris Dodd, chairman and CEO of the MPAA, in a statement.
“There have never been more ways to access movies and television legitimately online, and those platforms continue to grow and develop thanks in large part to a copyright system that encourages innovation, risk and growth. The companies I represent are committed to continuing to create and develop the best ways for audiences to enjoy the entertainment they love.”
Broadband TV Views. Yes, giving legal access to online content does help prevent piracy. But unfortunately this website shows viewers outside the US how little material is legally available in their respective countries.
A number of content owners, such as HBO, are doing their best to make their product legally available in other territories in the fastest time possible, but the majority of movies and TV series remains locked for eyes outside the US.
As long as this situation exists, people will find other ways to see what they want when they want. especially when accessing pirated content is easier tha finding a way to legally watch.
The new MPAA website might be a good initiative for viewers within the US, but I doubt if it helps viewers worldwide, who time and time again will see the message “you are not in the US” or “this is not America”.
