Watch Now / Download Frequently Asked Questions

What are Acorn’s new digital delivery options?

Selected titles are now available to purchase as Watch Now / Download products (in addition to being available as traditional DVDs). When you choose to buy the digital version you will have the option to Watch Now and/or Download (your digital purchase allows you to do either or both).

Watch Now provides instant access to your video on a Mac or PC through your Web browser using Adobe Flash Player. The videos play right in your computer’s Web browser without requiring downloads of large files or installation of video player software. Your videos will be stored in a viewing library that is personal to you. You may return again and again to view them on your computer. You are not limited to using one computer; you may access your library by signing in from any PC or Mac with an Internet connection..

Download A digital version of your video may be downloaded to your PC for playing at a later time. (Sorry, this file downloading option is not available for Macs.) The file size will be fairly large, and you’ll need to save the file in your “My Videos” folder. To play your download, you’ll need Windows Media Player 10 or higher. Each title you purchase can be downloaded up to four times (which allows you to download again if you get a new computer, lose the file, want to transfer to a different computer, etc.).

What are the benefits of Acorn’s new digital delivery options?

• Immediate Access You’ll be able to watch or download the file immediately once you’ve made your purchase. There’s no waiting for a physical copy to ship.
• Individual Episodes Digital delivery allows you to buy single episodes that are only available in sets on traditional DVDs. This is a great way to see an episode you may have missed, watch a favorite episode again and again, or try a series before buying a whole set.
• Viewing to Go Facing a long car ride or overseas flight? Digital delivery allows you to download videos to your PC and then view them offline, at your convenience.

What are the system requirements to view videos instantly (Watch Now)?

On most computers purchased in the past five years you’ll be able to watch videos online if your Internet connection speed is fast enough. You must be connected to the Internet for the Watch Now option. Below are the requirements and suggested hardware and software for playing videos on your computer:

What are the system requirements to download videos?

On most PCs purchased in the past five years you’ll be able to download videos and play them with Windows Media Player. You must be connected to the Internet to download the video file. (Sorry, the downloading option is not available for Macs.) Once the file is on your PC, you may watch it without an Internet connection. A license to view the file is included when you download, but this license does not copy if/when you transfer the file to a different device. If you move the file to another computer, you must connect to the Internet and download the license portion again so the file will play on that new device. Again, once this has been done, the file will be available to watch without an Internet connection. Below are the requirements and suggested hardware and software for playing downloaded videos on your computer:

What is the necessary Internet connection speed?

A broadband Internet connection is required for Watch Now / Download options.

Download speed in excess of 1000 kbps is recommended. Use the free test below to check the download speed on your Internet service.

How can I watch the videos in my viewing library on my TV instead of on my PC?

Connecting your computer to your TV is possible, but you may need additional cables, software, and a compatible TV. Contact a local computer technician to find out if your TV and PC are compatible.

How can I watch the videos in my viewing library when I don’t have a connection to the Internet (during air or car travel, for example)? Can I view my videos offline?

You may download videos while connected to the Internet for later viewing offline. Once the file is on your PC, you may watch it without an Internet connection. (Sorry, the downloading option is not available for Macs.) Follow the download instructions and please note the system requirements for downloading and watching videos.

Note about transferring a downloaded file from one computer to another (this is allowed on up to four different devices): If you transfer a previously downloaded video file to a new computer (versus downloading the file again to that new device directly through your library), you will need to download the license to that new computer via the Internet through your viewing library. (The license automatically downloads to the PC when you download directly. However, if you copy or move the file, you need to download the license on that new PC.)


How do I get to my personal viewing library?

Click here and sign in. A link is also available on the upper right corner of the Acornonline.com header.

If I am having difficulty, whom do I contact?

Call Customer Service at 1-888-870-8047.

How long will I have access to my videos?

Unless noted on the product page, you will have unlimited access to your purchased videos. Promotional products may be available for a limited time only; end dates would be noted on the product purchase page.

Will my downloads be limited to a certain number?

You may download your videos to four devices (laptops or desktop computers). If you transfer a downloaded file from one device to another, you will need to download just the license portion (not the whole file) to that new device by logging back into your video library. Choose the “Download License Only” option from the download pop-up.

Can I burn my download to a DVD?

At this time, downloaded files cannot be burned to a DVD.