Your broadband connection can turn your PC into the best music video channel you've ever seen - because you get to choose the videos! Forget patchy videos that stopped and started over a dial-up connection. With broadband you can watch clear, smooth videos that will have you dancing in your chair.
How does it work?
Videos are a form of streaming media. This allows you to watch videos on-demand without having to download the track to your hard drive. So you don't have to wait for the file to transfer from the site to your PC, you can watch it as soon as you click the video link.
Real Player and Windows Media Player are the most common plug-ins used to access streaming content.
Artists show off their stuff
Like downloads, many artists are using their official web sites to promote their videos. For example, you can see five of Coldplay's videos at www.coldplay.com. To find your favourite artist's site, type their name into a search engine and look for the 'official' site in the results.
Pay to view
Subscription-based music video services are also becoming more popular. For a flat fee or book of credits you gain access to thousands of videos, ready to watch when you are. Here's a few we like.
- VidZone
- Video.tv
- Video-C
Try before you buy with a free 14-day subscription and watch thousands of videos from the latest chart toppers to old favourites.
Watch music videos from across the decades and around the world. Buy credits to start watching videos and utilise the video jukebox facility.
A free service that offers a range of video clips, mainly from rock and indie bands.
Guided by media players
Media player guides such as RealOne Guide and Windows Media Guide act as great aggregators of music content. Check them out for the latest artists making waves.