General
What is digital TIFF Bell Lighbox?
Digital TIFF Bell Lightbox is an online viewing platform that allows users to rent and watch New Releases and Cinematheque films on demand.
How does it work?
Start by creating an account or logging in to browse our full catalogue. To watch a film, hover over the thumbnail and click “Rent.” You will be prompted to enter your credit card number in the pop-up window. If you have a promo code, it can be entered in this window as well. You will be emailed a link to watch your rental, or your film will appear in “My Library” shortly. You will have 48 hours from the point of purchase to watch your rental before it is removed from your Library.
Can I watch films from anywhere in the world?
No. In an effort to reduce piracy, only those living in Canada will be able to watch films on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Where can I view all available titles?
In the top-left corner of any page, click “Browse All” to see the list of our full catalogue. Some titles may not be available until a future date, as noted on the thumbnail.
Account Management
How do I create an account/log in?
In the top-right corner of the homepage, click “Create Account” or “Sign In” and follow the onscreen prompts. You can review or update your account again by clicking your name and selecting “My Account” from the drop-down menu.
Do I use the same login as my TIFF Account Manager?
No. You will be required to create a new account. We recommend using the email address associated with your TIFF Account (if you have one) to access our digital content. In the top-right corner of the homepage of digital TIFF Bell Lightbox, click on “Create Account” and follow the onscreen prompts.
How do I change/reset my password?
In the top-right corner of any page, click your name and select “My Account” from the drop-down menu. Next to your current password, you have the option to change it. If you have forgotten your password and need to reset it, click “Sign In” and then “Forgotten Your Password?” You will be emailed a link to reset your password.
Rentals
Do I have to watch the films at a specific time?
No. Films are available on demand at any time of day once you rent them. Some films may be available to rent before they are available for viewing. If you rent a film ahead of time, your rental window will begin as soon as the film is available for viewing.
How long do I have to watch my rental?
Once you’ve rented a film it will be available to watch in your Library for 48 hours. Films can be played any number of times within this window.
Can I start a film and come back to it later?
Yes. Films can be paused and resumed at any time during your 48-hour rental window. Your rented films will no longer be available in your Library 48 hours after purchase, even if it is currently being watched.
How long will each film be available on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox?
New films will be added to our catalogue every Friday and will be available on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox for a minimum of seven days. The date that a film is leaving the catalogue will be noted on the film’s detail page 3 days before it leaves. Films can be rented any number of times within this window.
When I rent a film that is leaving the catalogue, will I still have access to it for 48 hours?
Yes. Even if you rent a film on the day it is set to leave the catalogue, it will still be available in your Library for 48 hours from the point of purchase.
Can I rent a film that is available at a future date?
Yes. You can rent it now, but you won’t be able to watch it until the day it’s listed as available. You will have 48 hours to watch the film from the date and time of release.
How much does a film cost to rent?
Films vary in price from $4.99 +HST to $12.99 +HST based on year of release and other factors.
Can I save my payment information?
No. Credit card information cannot be stored in digital TIFF Bell Lightbox.
TIFF prefers Visa.
How do I use my promo code?
To use your promo code, hover over the title you wish to watch and click “Rent.” A pop-up window will appear and you can tick the box next to “I have a promo code” to enter it.
What is your refund and exchange policy?
TIFF has a no-refund and no-exchange policy on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox rentals.
Where can I find my rental history?
Past rentals will still appear in your Library but will be marked “Expired.” Once a film has been removed from the catalogue, you will no longer see it in your Library.
What offers are available for TIFF Members?
TIFF Members may receive discounts on select titles.
Navigation
What is the difference between “My List” and “My Library”?
Adding films to “My List” allows you to bookmark titles to watch later. This is not the same as renting a film. Rented films will appear in “My Library” for 48 hours after purchase. To remove a film from your List, hover over the title and click the checkmark next to “My List.” Films will automatically be made unavailable in your Library after the 48-hour rental window expires.
How do I add to “My Devices” and is there a limit?
When you sign in on a device it is automatically registered to “My Devices.” You can edit or remove registered devices by clicking your name and selecting “My Devices” in the drop-down menu. Users may have up to 5 registered devices.
Is there any bonus content that comes with my rental?
Some titles may include bonus content like introductions or Q&As with filmmakers. To watch them, click on a title and scroll down to “Bonus Content.” Please note: you must rent a title in order to watch its bonus content.
Accessibility
Where can I find films that have closed-captioning or descriptive sound available?
If a film is available with closed-captioning or descriptive sound, this is noted below the description on the film page. A list of accessible titles can be found at digital.tiff.net/collection/accessible-films.
How do I enable closed-Captioning or descriptive sound on my rental?
You can enable closed-captioning or descriptive sound by clicking on the “CC” button in the lower-right corner of the player and enabling captions.
Technical Information
What are the system requirements?
You can watch on PCs running Windows 7+ and Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12+. You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection — dial-up will not work. You’ll find a complete list of requirements below.
What are the requirements for Windows computers?
Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10. Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser as earlier versions may not be supported. Internet Explorer on Windows 7 is no longer supported. You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection — dial-up will not work.
What are the requirements for Mac computers?
MacOS 10.12 or later. Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser as earlier versions may not be supported. You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection — dial-up will not work.
Can I watch content on my iPhone/iPad?
At this time, viewing content on an app is not available. We plan to release an app for viewing in the near future.
Can I watch content on my Android device?
At this time, viewing content on an app is not available. We plan to release an app for viewing in the near future.
I can’t stream any of the content. What’s going on?
Check your minimum system requirements above. We recommend that you update to the latest version of your browser. We use adaptive bitrate streaming, which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. For high-definition (HD) streaming we recommend VDSL, cable or fibre connections as we cannot guarantee consistent HD streaming on ADSL.
Why does video playback stall or not play smoothly?
If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback.
How can I watch from my TV?
At this time, you can Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on an Android TV, or use AirPlay to watch on your Apple TV. Additional options will be available in the near future.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Please email customerrelations@tiff.net or message us on Twitter @TIFF_Help.