Downloading vs. Streaming Video

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Downloading  Video     
                                             
Downloading video works well when you have a slower internet connection or if you'll be offline when you watch the video. Download times can vary depending upon video quality and speed of internet connection.

To download a movie from the library:
   1) Visit our website, browse and choose a video
   2) Find a desired video and click "Add to Cart"
   3) If you are done browsing, press "Proceed to Checkout."
   4) Log-in with your Library Card number  and password.
   5) Click on "Confirm" and "Download"

A status bar will appear alerting you to how long the downloading process will take.

The following tutorial will walk you through the process of downloading video from the Rapid City Public Library.
Streaming Video

Streaming video is delivered over the internet and can only be accessed when you are online. It is not stored on your computer. Instead your Web browser or video software decodes the video file and your computer discards the data after its been played.

Streaming video requires a faster internet connection. A broadband internet connection (cable, DSL, or LAN) is recommended.

The most popular services streaming video are Youtube, Vimeo, Hulu, Veoh, Netflix, iTunes, Vudu and Amazon. See this comparison for more info.

A computer screen may not be the best option to watch streaming videos: There are several options for transferring and watching internet streaming videos on your TV.

1) Set-top boxes stream media to your TV. They access your internet connection, receive streaming video from sites compatible with the device and then can be viewed on your HDTV.

2) Gaming consoles with internet connections are an option but are expensive and require a subscription for the service (However, if you already have one, it can be upgraded for this use).

3) Some Blu-ray players or internet-Ready TVs can stream video.

4) Digital Media Players. You can use your computer to download digital content from the internet, transfer them to a USB stick or flash-drive and play these files on a TV.