Column: Video streaming is a positive evolution

Watching television and movies changed drastically over the last couple of decades.I remember as a kid when VHS tapes were mainstream and making the trek to the video store with my parents was considered a treat. The bright lights, movie posters and candy near the checkout were all part of the draw. Walking past row after row of movies was an experience, and I have fond memories of going to all of the local video stores.Years went on and the format on which we consume our favorite movies and shows have changed. I was early on to Netflix. When I first signed on, it was primarily to get the DVD in the mail. This was a nice service, and they had a streaming service they threw in for free. I liked the streaming service, but there wasn't a lot of content in the beginning.Things have changed. There are barely any video rental stores left. Most people don't rent movies anymore from a retail location. The format in which we consume our movies is streamed over the Internet. There are a lot of different ways to stream, from Amazon Prime video, to Netflix, to iTunes.I use different methods to watch television and moviesBut Netflix is still on my list of my favorites. In fact, on my last get-a-way, I used a new feature on Netflix that I hadn't tried before.Anyone who frequently flies on airlines knows that you typically must pay extra for in-flight internet. In my mind, the ticket prices are enough without having to fork out more money for internet on the flight, so I spent a little time the day before I left to browse Netflix's download-capable content. In case you didn't know, Netflix allows you to download certain television shows and movies onto your device. In my case, it was my iPhone. I simply launched the app and browsed through the content that they allow you to download. This time, I chose the new "Lost in Space" series that is a Netflix exclusive. I downloaded all of the episodes of the first season to my phone. During my flights, I got through three episodes. It was great. A nice feature from a company that I have really enjoyed over the years.There is a nostalgia that I miss about browsing aisles of movies and looking at all of the cover art to try to make a good choice in the old video rental stores. But there is a greater convenience in having any movie available at the tip of your fingers whenever you want it, when you can stream anything you want online. I have found that technology changes everything, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad. In this case, it is mostly for the good.Lee