In an age where entertainment choices are plentiful, it can be challenging for families to find movies and shows that align with their values while still being entertaining. This is where VidAngel comes into play. VidAngel is a unique streaming service that allows you to filter out content that may not be suitable for your family, creating a more enjoyable viewing experience. In this article, we will explore how to use VidAngel on TV effectively, ensuring you utilize its full potential to enhance your family viewing.
What is VidAngel and How Does It Work?
VidAngel is a subscription-based platform that enables you to select and filter specific content from movies and shows before viewing them. It allows users to skip or mute material such as swearing, sexual content, and violence. The service works by leveraging your existing subscriptions from popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more, allowing you to watch titles with your chosen filters applied.
Why Choose VidAngel?
– Tailored Viewing Experience: Customize your viewing according to your family’s comfort and values.
– Wide Selection of Content: Access a large library of movies and TV shows across various genres.
– Affordability: VidAngel is typically offered at a low monthly rate, making it cost-effective for families.
Setting Up VidAngel on Your TV
Utilizing VidAngel on your TV is straightforward and can usually be completed in just a few simple steps. Below, we will walk you through the setup process, regardless of your TV type.
Step 1: Check Compatibility
Before diving into the setup, ensure your TV is compatible with VidAngel. Most smart TVs, Roku devices, Apple TV, and Chromecast support VidAngel. Also, ensure your streaming service subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc.) are active and ready to use.
Step 2: Create a VidAngel Account
- Go to the official VidAngel website.
- Click on “Sign Up.”
- Fill in the required information (email, password).
- Choose your subscription plan and payment method.
- Complete the sign-up process.
After signing up, VidAngel will guide you through a quick tutorial on how to use their filters.
Step 3: Download the VidAngel App (if necessary)
- For Smart TVs (Roku, Apple TV):
- Go to the App Store or Channel Store on your TV.
- Search for “VidAngel.”
Download and install the VidAngel app.
For Chromecast:
- Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Chromecast.
- Download the VidAngel app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Connect your device to Chromecast to stream.
Using VidAngel to Filter Content
Once you have installed and set up VidAngel, it’s time to start filtering content according to your family’s preferences.
Step 1: Choose a Movie or Show
- Open the VidAngel app.
- Use the search feature to find a specific title or browse by category.
- Click on the title you want to watch.
Step 2: Set Your Filters
VidAngel provides several categories of filters, allowing you to customize the viewing experience:
- Language: Mute or skip swear words and offensive language.
- Sexual Content: Filter out nudity and sexual situations.
- Violence: Choose to skip violent scenes or graphic content.
Once you have selected your filters, save your preferences, and the system will automatically apply them to the content for your viewing.
Step 3: Start Watching
With your filters in place, you are ready to enjoy your selected title. Hit the play button and sit back! VidAngel will apply your selected filters in real-time, allowing you to view the movie or show with peace of mind.
Managing Your VidAngel Experience
As you continue using VidAngel, it’s essential to manage your experience to ensure maximum enjoyment.
Saving and Managing Filters
VidAngel allows you to create profiles for different family members, making it easier to manage filters based on individual preferences. Here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to your account settings.
- Select “Profiles.”
- Create a new profile for each family member and save their specific filter settings.
This feature ensures that everyone in the family can enjoy content tailored to their tastes without having to change settings each time.
Keeping Up with New Releases
VidAngel frequently updates its library with new releases and popular titles. Regularly check the app’s “New Releases” section to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest content available.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, technical issues might arise while using VidAngel on your TV. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Issue: Lagging or buffering during playback
- Solution: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and, if necessary, restart your router.
Issue: Filters not applying correctly
- Solution: Double-check your filter settings. Sometimes, reapplying the filters may fix the issue. If problems persist, try restarting the app.
Issue: Unable to access certain titles
- Solution: Ensure that your active streaming subscriptions are correctly linked to your VidAngel account. You may also want to refresh your subscription settings.
Maximizing Your Family’s Viewing Experience
While VidAngel significantly enhances family movie night, there are additional tips and tricks that can make your experience even better.
Set Up a Movie Night Tradition
Establish a regular movie night each week where family members can take turns selecting the movie. This not only makes the viewing experience more interactive but also encourages family bonding.
Engage in Discussions Post-Movie
After watching a movie, take some time to discuss it as a family. This can enhance critical thinking and help family members express their thoughts on the themes, messages, or characters that stood out to them.
Conclusion
Using VidAngel on your TV is an effective way to ensure that your family’s viewing experience aligns with your values. By filtering out content that does not meet your preferences, you can create enjoyable and meaningful family moments. The steps outlined in this guide will help you set up VidAngel effortlessly, customize filters, troubleshoot issues, and maximize enjoyment during family movie night. With VidAngel, though you may not always know what to expect, at least you can control what comes into your living room, making it a safe and entertaining haven for your loved ones. Happy viewing!
What is VidAngel and how does it work?
VidAngel is a streaming service that allows users to watch movies and shows while filtering out content they may find inappropriate or objectionable. The service works by giving viewers the ability to select specific filters such as profanity, violence, sexual content, and more. Once users choose their preferred filters, VidAngel removes the selected elements from the content in real-time, allowing for a customized viewing experience.
To use VidAngel, subscribers sign up for an account and connect the service to their favorite streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. After selecting a movie or show, users can apply their chosen filters, and VidAngel will present the content accordingly. This ensures that families can enjoy programs that align with their values without sacrificing entertainment quality.
How do I set up VidAngel on my TV?
Setting up VidAngel on your TV is a straightforward process. First, you’ll need a subscription to VidAngel, which you can obtain by visiting their website. Once you have an account, download the VidAngel app directly to your smart TV or streaming device, such as Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. If your device doesn’t support the app, you can also cast from your smartphone or tablet.
After installing the app, log in with your VidAngel account credentials. From there, you can browse the available movies and shows, choose your filters, and start streaming directly through the TV. Make sure your TV is connected to a strong internet connection for the best viewing experience, and you’re set to enjoy filtered content through VidAngel.
Can I use VidAngel with multiple streaming services?
Yes, VidAngel can be used with several popular streaming services. It allows users to filter content from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. This capability means that you can tailor your viewing experience across multiple subscriptions, making it easier to create a family-friendly environment no matter what you decide to watch.
To use VidAngel with a specific streaming service, simply connect your streaming account within the VidAngel app. You’ll then be able to select your desired shows or movies from those platforms and apply the relevant filters to remove unwanted content. This feature makes it versatile and convenient for families with diverse viewing preferences.
Are there any costs associated with using VidAngel?
Yes, VidAngel does come with a subscription fee. Generally, VidAngel operates on a monthly subscription model, where users pay a fixed amount for unlimited access to the filtering service. This fee allows access to various films and shows, alongside the custom filtering features that help families create a safer viewing experience.
Moreover, there might be additional costs when using VidAngel through streaming services that require separate subscriptions. For instance, while VidAngel itself has a subscription fee, you will still need to pay for any platforms you wish to filter, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. So it’s important to factor those costs when budgeting for your family’s viewing experience.
What types of content can I filter with VidAngel?
VidAngel offers a variety of content filters to cater to different family preferences and values. Users can choose to filter out elements like profanity, violence, sexual content, and substance abuse within films and television shows. With this level of customization, families can ensure they are only watching content that aligns with their beliefs and comfort levels.
In addition to these more generalized categories, VidAngel allows for fine-tuning, enabling users to filter out specific words or scenes that might be particularly objectionable. This feature enables a more tailored approach to content filtering, making it easier for families to enjoy entertainment that meets their needs without having to deal with unwanted material.
Is VidAngel easy to use for the whole family?
VidAngel is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible for all family members. The app interface is intuitive and clearly structured, enabling both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with technology to navigate it easily. Setting up filters and choosing content can be done in just a few steps, which streamlines the process of selecting what to watch.
Additionally, VidAngel offers tutorials and support for users who may need extra help getting started. Once the initial setup is complete, the filtering process is seamless, ensuring that families can focus on enjoying their movie or show instead of worrying about inappropriate content. Overall, it’s built to enhance family viewing experiences effortlessly.
Can I create multiple profiles on VidAngel?
Currently, VidAngel does not support multiple profiles under one account. However, this means that all settings and preferences apply to whoever logs in with that account. Families can still set filters according to general family needs, ensuring a broad level of filtering for everyone watching with the same account.
For families with diverse viewing preferences, it’s advisable to sit down together and decide on a set of filters that everyone is comfortable with. This can help foster an inclusive environment and maintain the viewing experience aligned with family values while managing the absence of individual profiles.
What should I do if I encounter issues with VidAngel?
If you encounter any issues with VidAngel, the first step is to check the help section on their official website. VidAngel provides a comprehensive FAQ and troubleshooting guide that answers many common problems users may face, such as connectivity issues, filtering concerns, or app functionality problems. Often, you can find immediate solutions there.
If the help section does not resolve the issue, VidAngel’s customer support team is available to assist users directly. You can reach out to them via email or through the support page on their website. Providing specific details about your issue can help expedite a resolution, ensuring that you can return to enjoying your family viewing experience as soon as possible.