| This is about the diverging paths for Netflix/HBO/etc. »seedchange.wordpress.com/2010/07···-moment/
In my opinion, it is important to view this deal with regards to the different directions Netflix and pay-TV networks are headed in the long-term. While the premium networks are focused on attracting subscribers with exclusive original programming (supplemented by secondary pure movie channels and VOD), Netflix is striving to attract (and retain) subscribers with the deepest library of content to stream on-demand to their PCs, TVs, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles. The pay-TV guys, perhaps led by upstart Epix, will certainly close the distribution channel gap, but competing on library depth seems impractical for the foreseeable future. On the other hand, Netflix’s DVD service made its mark by combining popular new releases with an interminable long-tail of old and obscure titles. Netflix’s future as a streaming service will be no different. |
