FilmOn
Is This Your Business?1.3
1.9
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
FilmOn is an internet-based television streaming service that is based out of the UK. Their platform has access to over 90,000 hours and 600 channels of content that is either paid or subscription based. The company's platform includes Cinebx and Allied Film libraries. Users also have the ability to create their own live and VOD streaming channels. The availability of certain channels depends on the country where the service can be received. FilmOn started getting into mobile media in 2010. They were one of the first streaming services to have mobile apps available for clients. The website has been involved in some legal issues in the United States over copyright issues. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court. For a while, standard network channels, such as ABC, Fox, and CBS, were not available due to the lawsuit. FilmOn has also experienced legal complications with a company called Double Verify.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Available in the United States and United Kingdom
- Parental Controls
- Mobile App
- Social Media Functionality
- Remote DVR Recording
Available in the United States and United Kingdom
FilmOn has varying availability in the U.S. and the UK. FilmOn offers a streaming platform that provides on demand content to their subscribers. In addition to providing on demand productions, FilmOn provides a few other features to their users.
Parental Controls
With FilmOn, it is possible for parents to set parameters on what their children see from within their paid account. However, there is some questionable adult content during the preview when a user signs in.
Mobile App
There is basic app support for FilmOn. Compatibility for both iOS and Android devices are also available. There is also functionality available for the Kindle video platform.
Social Media Functionality
Subscribers can access live video that is posted by users, but overall, the content comes across as spam. Theoretically, it could be possible to post your own documentaries and helpful tips with the broadcast functions. It is also possible to schedule recording with FilmOn.
Remote DVR Recording
While subscribers will not be able to stream full-length series on FilmOn, it is possible to purchase a cloud service to record your favorite series. This can be automated with the TV schedule. There is a "record now" button that lets you record content if you have a paid remote DVR subscription.
The Bad
- Overall Quality
- Quality of Paid Service
- Expensive
Quality
The most questionable aspect of the FilmOn business model stems from the quality of the content and video. The platform looks and operates a lot like YouTube in terms of format. This means that when viewed through a mobile browser, the video might not always work across mobile devices.
Quality of Paid Service
The paid service is a little bit more expensive than the big streaming providers. Per month, the paid subscription costs $14.95. If you get a one-year subscription, the service is $149.99. It is also important to note that there are not as many well-known videos on the platform. Subscribers have stated that FilmOn consists of the largest library of B-quality streaming and video-on-demand content on the Internet. There are some documentaries about famous people from Hollywood, but not actually any movies that star some of these individuals. The DVR services are a little bit on the expensive side. While this is a great feature, sites like Sling do have a three day video replay if you miss your favorite live TV shows. Ten hours of DVR time is $9.99 per month. Additionally, you can also get 300 hours of remote DVR time for $190 per year.
Expensive
In some aspects, FilmOn looks like an expensive rip-off of YouTube. Users did not necessarily appreciate the "like/dislike" functionality of the website either. There is a "poop/like" vote, which is a little tacky for a paid service.
The Bottom Line
The platform has a history of lawsuits in the United States where major carriers like ABC and Fox have been dropped over the years. Users have been taken back by the lack of legitimate videos on the website. There doesn't appear to be any actual mainstream movies or television shows on the site. Rather, there are a lot of podcasts and user-generated content that doesn't contribute to a positive viewing experience online. Though it is a place to watch TV and stream shows, we recommend selecting a different streaming service, hopefully one that stays out of court and doesn't have spammy content. Subscribers can expect the following with FilmOn:
- Sync with DVR to control remotely
- Limited content library
- High monthly rates
- Involved in several lawsuits
- Podcasts available to stream
- Mobile app available for different operating systems
We recommend reviewing the top rated companies before making a final decision.
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