It’s undeniable we’re moving toward consuming all our video content via the Internet — but we’re not quite there yet. What’s going on?

It all comes down to licensing. Just as when HBO or Starz shows a movie for a month, the subscription streaming services pay for the right to feature a film or TV show for a limited time. This period can last from a year to 10 years.

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When you see that “Titanic” is dropping off Netflix, for example, there’s a chance it’ll return on another service. It could take a few weeks to a year to happen, though.

Content is always on the move in today’s entertainment culture.

Consider this week’s news that Netflix’s deal with EPIX is expiring. Now, select movies controlled by EPIX from Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount won’t be available to Netflix subscribers. Instead, those subscribers will have to pony up on Hulu to see them. Or maybe new “Sesame Street” episodes will not air on PBS stations but on the pay cable giant HBO. Content is always on the move in today’s entertainment culture.

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With the volatile nature of availability and costs, streaming services have started commissioning their own programming, such as “House of Cards” and “Transparent.” These programs bring prestige and legitimacy, but don’t fool yourself. That’s a secondary benefit to being the exclusive home for content under the company’s control.

How can you make sure you have access to watch what you want, when you want and on whatever device you want? It turns out there are a few options.

  • Buy your digital content: The upside of this revolution is that there is no shortage of outlets to buy content from, especially if you need it specialized for your platform. Are you an Apple person? iTunes is your winner. If you’re entrenched in the Google ecosystem, Google Play has you covered. If you are agnostic and own different brands of phones, tablets, and computers, the Ultraviolet ecosystem will deliver video to anything with a screen. The stealth entry of Disney Movies Anywhere can’t be missed, either. Buy your movie on one platform, and it will automatically give you copies across the others.
  • Don’t trash your Blu-ray player just yet! The most foolproof way to make sure you can watch your movies at home any time you want is to own a Blu-ray or DVD. Fortunately, many discs these days come with digital copies right out of the box. You get both a physical disc and the rights to a digital version, often for the same cost as buying digital. You also get the added benefit of better quality audio and video should that matter.
  • Digital restrictions management-free media: The most hardcore consumers insist on owning their digital content. This is second only to having a disc as the best way to completely control what you want to watch. Here’s the dirty secret. You don’t own your digital copy with iTunes, Ultraviolet, Amazon, or Google. You have a license to watch that content through approved apps on approved devices.That license can be revoked, and was temporarily revoked a few years ago when Disney pulled a ton of its content off iTunes, including digital copies. DRM-free media is the only way to truly OWN your digital content, and the only company of note in this space is VHX. Purchasing content through VHX allows you to stream or download the content, which often includes bonus features, in various resolutions. Unfortunately, you’re going to be limited to various independent productions or eclectic fare from Drafthouse Films (included with physical discs) due to piracy concerns from the major studios. While the selection is limited, if your viewing habits fit this niche, you can’t go wrong.

We’re still very much in the Wild West of the digital landscape, though many of the digital players such as Amazon Prime and Netflix appear entrenched.

With content owners and distributors still trying to figure out the worth of streaming content, we’re going to see drastic shifts in digital availability. Knowing your options will let you make the best choices for how you want to consume your video content.