There are so many different streaming services out there that it can make your head spin. From Netflix to HBO Max and Peacock, it’s safe to say that we have an abundance of options, even if they are all separate services. One streaming service that is not separate from a subscription is Amazon Prime Video.
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If you are an active Amazon Prime subscriber, you are also provided access to Amazon Prime Video. This is essentially another movie and TV show streaming service, complete with many titles you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there’s a vast catalog of movies that can be watch for free, or rented shortly after they are released.
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How to Watch Amazon Prime Video
The problem with Prime Video, at least for Mac users, is that until now, you had to use Safari or another web browser in order to watch videos. Amazon used to offer a dedicated Prime Video but it was antiquated to say the least. Thankfully, those days are gone, and you can now watch Amazon Prime Video right from your Mac again.
In order to do so, the obvious first step is to download the app from the Mac App Store using the link below.
After the Prime Video app has finished installing, simply fire it up. From there, you’ll need to sign into your Amazon Prime (or non-Prime) account to access the library. Once you’ve signed in, you’ll be able to browse the vast catalog of content, and find something to watch right from your Mac.
Change Prime Video Settings
Along with being able to access all of these different movies and TV shows, the Prime Video app on the Mac has another bonus feature. You can also download movies and TV shows to watch later, when you aren’t connected to the internet or have limited network capabilities.
The option to download movies and shows is available right from within the listing itself. However, if you are concerned about ensuring that you are downloading the best video quality possible, or want to download the “lightest” version possible, you’ll need to adjust some settings. Here’s how you can change the various video playback and download settings in the Prime Video app.
- Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your Mac.
- Tap the My Stuff tab in the bottom toolbar.
- Click the Gear icon in the top right corner.
- Select Streaming & Downloading.
- Under Streaming Quality, select one of the following:
- Best: 5.8GB / hr
- Better: 1.8GB / hr
- Good: 0.6GB / hr
- Click the Back Arrow.
- Click Download Quality and select one of the following:
- Best – 1 hour of video uses about 2.9GB of data and storage.Â
- Better – 1 hour of video uses about 1.4GB of data and storage.Â
- Good – 1 hour of video uses about 0.8GB of data and storage.
- Click the Close button.
Obviously the options that you choose will depend on the circumstances that you are currently dealing with. If you’re running on limited storage space, then selecting the “Good” quality options is the way to go. But if you want to enjoy the best playback experience possible, then you’ll want to select “Best”. No matter what you pick, make sure that you pay attention to these settings when downloading or streaming videos in the future.
Sit Back and Enjoy Prime On Your Mac
Having a dedicated Amazon Prime Video app on the Mac is a wonderful way to enjoy the best movies and shows that Amazon has to offer. Along with the other options available such as Netflix or HBO Max, you can find yourself with more content to watch than you know what to do with. Drop us a comment if you have any questions or concerns with using Prime Video on the Mac, and we’ll be happy to help.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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