We've been keeping a keen eye on all this set-top box and Internet streaming business, we're fairly certain the next big step for Netflix to secure their name in the world of streaming media is to offer a streaming-only service. Wait, they're already on it? Sign us up!
About every Netflix user we've talked to have stated something similar along the lines of: "Man, I really wish Netflix would offer me a cheaper disc-less plan." Yeah, we hear ya. These days where broadband is as prevalent as peanuts, most can get by with near 720p streaming with no choke on their home networks. Kinda makes the whole notion of physical media seem dated, no?
Well, luckily Netflix has already started considering the option, giving our neighbors up north a taste of a streaming-only portion from Netflix before bring it to the U.S. in the next coming months. Because its current pricing structure charges its fees based on the number of DVDs you can be loaned at one time, killing the disc-by-mail service altogether would significantly reduce the cost of service.
So what's the plan gonna be, Netflix? We think even if the monthly cost drops $2-3, Netflix will be seeing a number of new customers signing up given the rush of set-top boxes released in the coming months. Maybe then Hulu Plus might be willing to drop their slightly higher $10 per month cost for their service of bringing streaming TV to the big screen.
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Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I still like getting my DVDs in the mail. I really don't want to have to buy a set top device to be able to watch movies, and I'm not really into watching on my laptop all that often. I do it, and I like having the option to use both, but I'll keep my 3 at a time plan, thank you very much.
@LitNerd, as the article says, you should really check out the supported devices list. It is growing everyday. I watch on demand using my PS3. I thought I would need to wire it but the wifi is fast enough for a very good picture.
My current problem with netflix instant is that the list of offerings is still too small for me. 2/3 of the titles I look up are only available on disc.
Yeah, before I go to the streaming only option, they'd have to expand the items available. Right now a lot of the movies I watch are disc-only options. I'm not ready to drop discs yet. But if they were to resolve that, I'd go streaming only in a heartbeat.
I love Netflix Instant and I watch stuff from there a lot more than I watch the DVDs, but I think I'd still want to keep a DVD in my plan because there's some stuff that's still not available on Instant. Now, stream me some Battlestar Galactica, and I'm good.
Loven the streaming, but a lot of offerings require me to wait for the DVD. Change that and I will be all about instant gratification.
make ALL the shows available in 720P when HD and 480P otherwise and I'll pay for it.
@Niamh--I know there are a lot of devices that can stream now, but that means that I would have to buy one of those devices. I don't play video games or watch television, so the only way I would switch would be if their entire collection were available streaming for a much cheaper price than I'm paying now. The streaming device itself would have to be damn cheap too. Otherwise, it's just not worth bothering.
@karacooks - I'm in the same boat. I'd be all for a streaming only option if they'd go digital on their full library. As it stands there are a ton of movies and tv shows (anything from fox it seems) that are disk-only.
@digopheliadug - Didn't they just add all of battlestar to the instant queue?
Just to clarify: Isn't it the parent company of the media in question (i.e.: the television station or movie studio) who ultimately decides if they will allow Netflix to stream their material? I thought I read this somewhere, and it seems to bear out. HBO lets very little of its content stream, possibly to force the audience to rent or purchase the discs, or to get them to subscribe to HBO. While NBC seems to dump whole seasons 10 minutes after the season ends. I suppose it has to do with different business models and expectations.
Can anyone shed some light on this?
So this is, in part, why I would want to have a disc subscription. Can't watch "The Wire" without a DVD.
Besides the limited library, the streaming service itself needs to be improved to rival the physical media. Currently there is no option of toggle multiple languages and subtitles. These are all deal breakers for anyone who watches a lot of foreign films.
I like having the option of both, but I cut my DVD to one- at -a -time. Plus the blu-ray picture and sound still can't be replicated on streaming.
I'm with litNerd, @ work I'm connected to a computer/email/technology all day long.. when I come home, I just want to pop in a DVD and relax. I don't have internet at home(gasp!) nor do I play videogames- nor do I want to spend $75 on a rocko player, so the stream only option doesn't appeal to me at all.
@ hmr- lol, I'm starting my first dvd of "The Wire" tonight. Finally I can see what all the hype has been about!
Two things about an online only Netflix account. Firstly, I will be the first to sign up if there is true HD with fully digital surround output. I have a HTPC and the point of a HTPC is to have the full surround experience for one's viewing pleasure. If Netflix is smart, they will move forward w/ this proposition.
Secondly, Netflix will have to step up their game and get ALL new releases on their server in conjunction with disk releases. Just make that a standard practice.
On a side note, since Blockbuster is filing chapter 11 this fall, Netflix should work out a deal similar to Blockbuster where Warner Bros movies along w/ other studios' releases are in conjunction with mass market release dates.