Ultraviolet, once touted as the future of digital movie ownership, presented a challenge for viewing content across different devices, including your television. While the original Ultraviolet platform is defunct, understanding its legacy and current alternatives unlocks access to your previously purchased library and similar services available today.
Understanding Ultraviolet’s Legacy and its Demise
Ultraviolet aimed to provide a single, unified digital library that allowed users to redeem codes from physical media (Blu-rays and DVDs) and access their movies on various devices through partnered retailers. Think of it as a digital locker for your movie collection. However, the service faced challenges, including fragmented retailer support, inconsistent user experience, and the rise of more streamlined digital distribution platforms like Movies Anywhere. As a result, Ultraviolet officially shut down on July 31, 2019.
This closure meant that users could no longer access their Ultraviolet libraries directly through the Ultraviolet website or apps. So, how do you watch your Ultraviolet movies on your TV now?
The Path Forward: Movies Anywhere and Connected Retailers
The key to accessing your Ultraviolet library today lies in Movies Anywhere. This service, backed by major Hollywood studios, seamlessly integrates digital movie libraries from various retailers, including those that previously supported Ultraviolet. If you linked your Ultraviolet account to Movies Anywhere before Ultraviolet shut down, your movies should automatically be available within your Movies Anywhere library.
Accessing Your Library via Movies Anywhere on Your TV
Movies Anywhere is available as an app on most modern Smart TVs, streaming devices (like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV), and game consoles. To watch your former Ultraviolet movies, simply:
- Download the Movies Anywhere app on your TV or streaming device.
- Sign in with the account you used to link to your Ultraviolet account. This is crucial – it must be the same email address and password combination.
- Browse your library and select the movie you want to watch.
- Enjoy your movie!
Connected Retailers: An Alternative Approach
If you didn’t connect your Ultraviolet account to Movies Anywhere before the shutdown, you might still be able to access your movies through individual retailers that supported Ultraviolet. Popular options included:
- Vudu: Vudu was a primary partner with Ultraviolet and typically holds the largest number of redeemed movies. If you redeemed codes through Vudu, your movies should still be available within your Vudu library.
- FandangoNOW (now Fandango at Home): Similar to Vudu, FandangoNOW (now known as Fandango at Home) often hosted Ultraviolet titles. Check your Fandango at Home library for your movies.
To access these retailers on your TV, follow the same general steps as with Movies Anywhere:
- Download the appropriate app (Vudu or Fandango at Home) on your TV or streaming device.
- Sign in with the account you used to redeem Ultraviolet codes.
- Browse your library and select the movie you want to watch.
Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
If you’re having trouble accessing your Ultraviolet movies, consider the following:
- Account Credentials: Double-check that you’re using the correct email address and password for your Movies Anywhere, Vudu, or Fandango at Home account. Password resets might be necessary.
- Account Linking: Ensure that your Ultraviolet account was properly linked to Movies Anywhere or a specific retailer before the shutdown. Unfortunately, you cannot link accounts after the shutdown date.
- Content Availability: Some movies might not have transferred due to studio agreements or technical issues. If a movie is missing from your Movies Anywhere library, contact Movies Anywhere support for assistance.
- Streaming Quality: The streaming quality (HD, 4K, etc.) will depend on the capabilities of your TV, streaming device, and the movie itself.
- Internet Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is essential for smooth streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding watching Ultraviolet movies on TV:
FAQ 1: Can I still create a new Ultraviolet account?
No, Ultraviolet is no longer active, and you cannot create a new account.
FAQ 2: I never linked my Ultraviolet account to Movies Anywhere. Are my movies lost?
Potentially, yes. If you did not link your account to Movies Anywhere or a retailer like Vudu before the shutdown, accessing those movies may be impossible. However, check Vudu and Fandango at Home using the account you used to redeem codes, as they may still be available there.
FAQ 3: How do I contact Movies Anywhere support if a movie is missing?
You can contact Movies Anywhere support through their website (moviesanywhere.com) under the “Help” or “Contact Us” section. They typically offer email and chat support.
FAQ 4: Does Movies Anywhere support all TV brands and streaming devices?
Movies Anywhere is widely supported on most popular Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.), streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast), and game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox). Check their website for a complete list of compatible devices.
FAQ 5: What if I forgot my Vudu or Fandango at Home password?
Both Vudu and Fandango at Home have password reset options on their websites or within their apps. Use the “Forgot Password” link to reset your password via email.
FAQ 6: Are there any fees associated with using Movies Anywhere?
No, Movies Anywhere is a free service. You only pay for the movies you purchase or redeem.
FAQ 7: Can I download movies from Movies Anywhere to watch offline on my TV?
No, Movies Anywhere (and Vudu/Fandango at Home on most TVs) primarily supports streaming, not downloading for offline viewing on TVs. You can often download on mobile devices.
FAQ 8: What happens if a studio removes a movie from Movies Anywhere?
This is rare, but it can happen due to licensing agreements. If a movie is removed, you should still be able to access it through the retailer where you originally purchased or redeemed it.
FAQ 9: Is Movies Anywhere available in all countries?
No, Movies Anywhere is currently available in the United States. Availability may expand to other countries in the future.
FAQ 10: Can I share my Movies Anywhere library with family members?
Yes, Movies Anywhere offers family sharing features, allowing you to share your library with up to five other family members.
FAQ 11: What resolution (HD, 4K) can I expect when streaming through Movies Anywhere?
The resolution depends on several factors, including the original format of the movie, the capabilities of your TV and streaming device, and your internet connection speed. Generally, Movies Anywhere supports HD and 4K streaming for compatible movies and devices.
FAQ 12: Is there a way to transfer my physical DVDs and Blu-rays directly to Movies Anywhere now that Ultraviolet is gone?
Not directly. You can redeem digital codes that come with physical media in Movies Anywhere or connected retailers. However, transferring a physical disc directly to a digital format within Movies Anywhere is not supported. The best way to digitize is to purchase a digital copy through a connected retailer and use your Movies Anywhere account to link them all together.