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Netflix To Offer Standalone Streaming Video Service
Unfortunately, you won't be able to use it.

The good news? Netflix CEO Reed Hastings says the company is cooking up a broadband video delivery service that doesn't require that you sign up for the company's mail-delivered DVD service. The bad news? It won't be made available in the United States, and Netflix isn't saying which country will get the service. Oddly, Hastings seems to suggest that there's no interest in a streaming only service here in the States:

quote:
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Although Netflix will try to make a streaming-only service work abroad, the company really doesn't think there's a demand for this type of offering within the U.S. In fact, when responding to a reporter's question regarding Netflix's plans for an a la carte option (there isn't one), Hastings said that while they're "open-minded to" an a la carte service that came without the DVD option, the company hasn't seen much interest in something of that nature in the States.
Wait, What? 42% of Netflix users have streamed at least 15 minutes of one TV show or movie during the last quarter, up from 22% just one year earlier. Personally, my DVD queue has sat unused for months, with the majority of my film and HDTV viewing now occurring via the far more efficient Xbox 360. The demand is certainly there, it's just not quite mainstream yet. So what's really going on?

Part of the problem is Hollywood, who still isn't completely comfortable with this natural evolution toward non-physical media distribution and is clutching licensing agreements, a fear of piracy and physical DVDs to their chest. Netflix too probably wants to control their inevitable evolution from physical to non-physical rentals at their own pace. Surely Netflix doesn't mind waiting a little longer for for last-mile bandwidth to evolve in the States, and foreign tests give them a real world sandbox in which to smooth over distribution hiccups before broader launches.
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ptrowski
Got Helix?
Premium Member
join:2005-03-14
Woodstock, CT

1 recommendation

ptrowski

Premium Member

That is ridiculous.

We stream NEtflix to the Xbox 360 almost nightly, and only get one DVD a month. Someone has their head up their ass....

chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium Member
join:2001-01-16
Saratoga, NY

chlen

Premium Member

Re: That is ridiculous.

said by ptrowski:

We stream NEtflix to the Xbox 360 almost nightly, and only get one DVD a month. Someone has their head up their ass....
we dont even bother with the dvd... XBOX is great though huh...

ptrowski
Got Helix?
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join:2005-03-14
Woodstock, CT

ptrowski

Premium Member

Re: That is ridiculous.

said by chlen:
said by ptrowski:

We stream NEtflix to the Xbox 360 almost nightly, and only get one DVD a month. Someone has their head up their ass....
we dont even bother with the dvd... XBOX is great though huh...
Oh yeah! When they first offered streaming I tried it once or twice on the laptop, not bad. But the 360 changed that once it got the functionality.
patcat88
join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY

patcat88 to ptrowski

Member

to ptrowski
said by ptrowski:

We stream NEtflix to the Xbox 360 almost nightly, and only get one DVD a month. Someone has their head up their ass....
So what about people with only 768 kbitps DSL because their copper is crap? What about cable companies who still have 3 mbitps as the highest speed, or worse »Re: What's the worst broadband package out there? ? What about overloaded nodes that goto 3G speeds during peak usage?

bassjunky
join:2005-05-12
Aubrey, TX

bassjunky

Member

Re: That is ridiculous.

Then those people won't use the streaming service. Simple. For everyone else who has a decent connection....

ptrowski
Got Helix?
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join:2005-03-14
Woodstock, CT

ptrowski to patcat88

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to patcat88
said by patcat88:
said by ptrowski:

We stream NEtflix to the Xbox 360 almost nightly, and only get one DVD a month. Someone has their head up their ass....
So what about people with only 768 kbitps DSL because their copper is crap? What about cable companies who still have 3 mbitps as the highest speed, or worse »Re: What's the worst broadband package out there? ? What about overloaded nodes that goto 3G speeds during peak usage?
Simple, then they still get the DVD's. Problem solved.

cableties
Premium Member
join:2005-01-27

cableties

Premium Member

Re: That is ridiculous.

LOL!

Yeah, love the streams on the 360...when there are titles available "to" stream, that I haven't seen yet.

And for those folks just getting onboard, you can find a decent LG Bluray player with Netflix feature...just need a home LAN...(yes, you SHOULD have broadband and not dialiup/DSL for any streaming).
sharksfan3
Premium Member
join:2004-02-16
North Hollywood, CA

sharksfan3 to ptrowski

Premium Member

to ptrowski
said by ptrowski:

We stream NEtflix to the Xbox 360 almost nightly, and only get one DVD a month. Someone has their head up their ass....
We stream NetFlix to our TiVo HD and are also on the one at a time plan. I've been holding on to the same DVD for 18 months now...

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

Phil

Premium Member

No interest in streaming my ass...

If Netflix offered their entire movie collection via stream I'd have zero need to get the physical disk. The fact is they can't and that's why the US in not an option for such a service.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: No interest in streaming my ass...

My guess is that Netflix isn't licensed to only distribute content without physical media. And as Karl Bode See Profile mentioned, the content owners are resisting that slippery slope every chance they get.

Wow, did I actually just agree with Karl?

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

1 edit

Phil

Premium Member

Re: No interest in streaming my ass...

Yep, that's basically it as I mentioned below: »Re: ISP pressure?
Kiwi88
Premium Member
join:2003-05-26
Bryant, AR

Kiwi88 to openbox9

Premium Member

to openbox9
That would have hit the nail on the head, over the last few months, even PC instant view has improved to the point of not one glitch. There must be some hidden reason for off shoring streaming, of course there might be some screaming from ISP's who like to curb bandwidth usage, aside the slippery Hollywood crews.

Netflix appears to have become rather as formidable 'picture' these days.

Kompressor
Premium Member
join:2002-02-12
Huntington Beach, CA

Kompressor to Phil

Premium Member

to Phil
Most movies I see is a one time thing so streaming is fine, but movies I really like, I get the DVD or Blu-Ray disc and copy it so I can watch it any time. I also sometimes like the DVD extras you don't get in a stream.

SLD
Premium Member
join:2002-04-17
San Francisco, CA

1 recommendation

SLD

Premium Member

Re: No interest in streaming my ass...

And subtitles!
Kiwi88
Premium Member
join:2003-05-26
Bryant, AR

Kiwi88 to Kompressor

Premium Member

to Kompressor
Dead on, normally my preference is different from others around me, that insist on a particular show/movie.

But, "Interview with a Vampire" got all the attention it required, enough that I bought the Blu ray version off Amazon to SHUT them up.... At $9.25, it was a no brainer.

On the whole netflix provides everything I need, at less than half the cost; wait almost NO cost. On the very rare occasion I'll go Blockbuster for long waits when I get pissed off enough, or pander to the wait period on the KOSIK(?) Kroger/Walgreen 24hr $1.00 shot!

FukIT

MovieLover76
join:2009-09-11
Cherry Hill, NJ
(Software) pfSense
Asus RT-AC68
Asus RT-AC66

MovieLover76 to Phil

Member

to Phil
I have to agree, who in their right mind would think that Americans wouldn't rather sit and just click to watch a movie, and not have to wait for it to come in the mail and go back and forth to the mailbox.
Americans revel in laziness, this seems like an idea perfect for Americans. I think there would be a large market for it, if all of the movies were available as many still can't tell the difference between DVD and Blu-ray or stereo and surround sound, they would love the convenience.

I use the service several times a month and I love it,
that said the service IMHO is not ready to replace physical media completely for someone like me, I wouldn't want a streaming only service, even if the entire catalog was available because, they still don't have surround sound and their HD is HD lite and doesn't even begin to match the sound and picture of blu-ray.
The lack of surround sound is the real killer for me.

sapo
Cruising Down Memory Lane
Premium Member
join:2002-09-16
Sacramento, CA

sapo to Phil

Premium Member

to Phil
Yeah, if Netflix streamed the whole collection in HD that would be awesome. That would basically be all I use then.

chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium Member
join:2001-01-16
Saratoga, NY

1 recommendation

chlen

Premium Member

Good service.

I have this on my XBOX and killed cable after getting this. I dont use the mail service but between my bedroom TV hooked up to the PC and my living room hooked up to XBOX at the 10/month this is better then anything. Quality is top notch as well. 15mbit Road Runner is more then enough.

swintec
Premium Member
join:2003-12-19
Alfred, ME

swintec

Premium Member

Come on Netflix..

If it was priced right, and they could boost selection...I would probably sign up for streaming only. If it was just a dollar cheaper than the one out a time plan, then no thanks. Personally, I simply keep movies in my DVD queue so they keep floating in and MAYBE i get around to watch it at some point. As Roku adds more channels to there line up though, the less I will need physical DVDs.

chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium Member
join:2001-01-16
Saratoga, NY

chlen

Premium Member

Re: Come on Netflix..

The selection is pretty impressive actually for the price and they continue to boost and rotate it almost weekly.

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

Phil

Premium Member

Re: Come on Netflix..

While I don't have a problem finding a good movie (most often a foreign film) via Netflix's streaming service, the stream library is not even close to what's offered in their full physical rental library. The problem is Netflix has no choice in the matter and offers only what they can via their streaming service.

swintec
Premium Member
join:2003-12-19
Alfred, ME

swintec to chlen

Premium Member

to chlen
said by chlen:

The selection is pretty impressive actually for the price and they continue to boost and rotate it almost weekly.
Oh don't get me wrong, it is a decent selection..however I like to envision that when a title is available, it doesnt get removed after so many weeks like many do. i can't tell you how many times I have wanted to go back and watch a movie I watched several weeks before and it is no longer there. I had high hopes that when a movie was added to streaming, it was there "for good".

Also, new, popular titles, should get put on streaming as soon as they are available as a DVD through Netflix. Popular new releases usually end up being back ordered for a day or two and I think making them stream-able from the get go is a perfect solution.

Granted I realize these two issues may be a problem with the studios not letting netflix do it...but I think it really hinders them.

I have to wonder how many movies netflix would have streaming if it wasnt for Starz Play.

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

Phil

Premium Member

Re: Come on Netflix..

I didn't know they did the rotation deal until my daughter wanted to watch one of her favorite movies again, Black Beauty. It was no longer available to stream. Just a guess, but I wouldn't be surprised if Netflix purchased the right to stream a movie for x number of views for y number of months which ever comes first. Why else stream for only a limited time?

swintec
Premium Member
join:2003-12-19
Alfred, ME

swintec

Premium Member

Re: Come on Netflix..

Yea, it is a pain...Most of the time, if it is coming up on a stream expiration, it will list the expiration date on the movie screen, at least on the Roku..not sure about XBox.

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

Phil

Premium Member

Re: Come on Netflix..

I use a home theater PC. I'll have to keep an eye out for that next time.

chlen
Ethically Challenged
Premium Member
join:2001-01-16
Saratoga, NY

chlen

Premium Member

Re: Come on Netflix..

On the PC I seem to have access to much more of the library, and no rotation, on the XBOX rotation.

ptrowski
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ptrowski to swintec

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to swintec
said by swintec:

Yea, it is a pain...Most of the time, if it is coming up on a stream expiration, it will list the expiration date on the movie screen, at least on the Roku..not sure about XBox.
It does the same on the Xbox.

aaronwt
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join:2004-11-07
Woodbridge, VA
Asus RT-AX89

aaronwt to swintec

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to swintec
said by swintec:

said by chlen:

The selection is pretty impressive actually for the price and they continue to boost and rotate it almost weekly.
Oh don't get me wrong, it is a decent selection..however I like to envision that when a title is available, it doesnt get removed after so many weeks like many do. i can't tell you how many times I have wanted to go back and watch a movie I watched several weeks before and it is no longer there. I had high hopes that when a movie was added to streaming, it was there "for good".

That will not happen. VOD is in flux all the time. If someone else has the rights to a tilte, like HBO or broadcast for example, it might disappear from VOD for a while. During the on e or two months they have rights to show the content.
Lazlow
join:2006-08-07
Saint Louis, MO

1 recommendation

Lazlow

Member

ISP pressure?

I would bet that they are getting pressure from not only Hollywood but the ISPs. The ISPs are doing everything possible to prevent them from becoming just a dumb pipe (which is what they need to be).

MSauk
MSauk
Premium Member
join:2002-01-17
Sandy, UT

MSauk

Premium Member

Re: ISP pressure?

well that sucks, I would have signed up for something like that

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

Phil to Lazlow

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to Lazlow
Both content providers and the owners of said content want to retain as much control as possible in order to make the most money possible. They certainly don't want me watching the latest movie via Netflix when they offer the same thing via Video On Demand or similar service at quadruple the cost.
Kearnstd
Space Elf
Premium Member
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ

Kearnstd

Premium Member

Re: ISP pressure?

there is a reason the content owners are nicknamed the MAFIAA. they want to control everything from production to purchase much like the mob did with lots of booze during a colorful point in history.

Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium Member
join:2001-06-11
Downers Grove, IL

Phil

Premium Member

Re: ISP pressure?

If they're the ones producing it, I'm fine with that. It's just unfortunate.

Tomek
Premium Member
join:2002-01-30
Valley Stream, NY

Tomek

Premium Member

I think it it has to do with RIAA/MPAA

There is a FREE service in Europe available for PS3 owners that allows unlimited streaming of music videos. It is not available in US unless u do UK proxy.
The name was, I think, VidZone.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

How much does it cost?

Does Netflix currently ship DVDs internationally? If they don't, the streaming only model for international customers makes sense to allow them to increase subscriber count with new markets but not having to worry about international mailings, multi-region DVDs, etc.

I would be VERY surprised if a streaming-only subscrition was cheaper then the $9 1-DVD membership level they have now. Why bother for US subscribers charging the same price and getting less.

ThirdShifter
Premium Member
join:2002-03-16
Wethersfield, CT

ThirdShifter

Premium Member

The streaming quality sucks..

Unless they can get it at 480p the service is not worth $1/month.

••••••

jester121
Premium Member
join:2003-08-09
Lake Zurich, IL

jester121

Premium Member

Simple.

Someone needs to point out to the environmentalist whackos in Hollywood that streaming has a far lower impact on our fragile planet, and that DVD sales are poisoning nature (cardboard wrappers, toxic chemicals probably released during the manufacturing process, and don't forget evil carbon-emitting mail trucks all over the place).

morbo
Complete Your Transaction
join:2002-01-22
00000

morbo

Member

Re: Simple.

This could be debatable. After all, who thought that using a dishwasher uses let resources than washing by hand? not me, but that seems to be the case.

fonzbear2000
Premium Member
join:2005-08-09
Saint Paul, MN

1 edit

fonzbear2000

Premium Member

Whatever.....

»www.watch-movies-online.tv/ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Netflix streaming and the MPAA.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

Caps are in the way anyway

Aside from the speed issue (save for Fios), even Comcast's 250GB cap isn't high enough for regular HD content streaming when added to other internet usage at the premises....

This is pathetic on so many levels....
decifal7
join:2007-03-10
Bon Aqua, TN

decifal7

Member

hmph

heh, more would use the services if more had REAL broadband options...

KoRnGtL15
Premium Member
join:2007-01-04
Grants Pass, OR

KoRnGtL15

Premium Member

AKA.....

ISP's are moving to caps and it would be a waste of money to invest in the states.
axiomatic
join:2006-08-23
Tomball, TX

1 edit

axiomatic

Member

Is this more commentary than direction?

This is more a commentary on how much worse the US "last mile" internet is versus other countries that have invested more on their "last mile" networks than it is about Netflix providing a streaming only service in the US.

If this doesn't exemplify that we need net neutrality laws and more investment in the "last mile" of US networks, I don't know what else would.

Yes I think there also might be pressure from the RIAA/MPAA but then again they are too stupid to see that allowing services like this may invent new revenue streams for them.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

Re: Is this more commentary than direction?

Comcast has no intention of raising the cap because they don't want you to cut the Cable cord for Internet only service from them.

They want to make you watch HD content from a cable feed, not from an internet one.

Not fooling me Comcast... not fooling me...

AnClar
Premium Member
join:2003-07-31
Belton, TX

AnClar

Premium Member

Absolutely Ridiculous!

I've been streaming Netflix content to my Roku boxes for over a year now and if Netflix offered it's entire catalog for streaming instead of the crappy subset of content that they currently offer, I'd never order a DVD again. As it is, I probably use streaming 2 to one over ordering DVDs. As others have said, both the movie industry and Netflix need to pull their heads out of their collective asses, lest the movie industry go the way of the music industry...that is, rapidly heading towards extinction!

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

The problem

You've got Netflix with the desire to stream stuff....

Versus...

- The movie industry doesn't want to let go of the physical disk...
- Cable companies (Comcast) don't want to provide more than "Grandma style internet" while preserving OnDemand/Premium services. So they're doing what they can to keep you from "cutting the cord".

joako
Premium Member
join:2000-09-07
/dev/null

joako

Premium Member

Why don't they?

Well first I already thought they had this service.

Second why don't they just offer it. Don't spend a dime on advertising just add it as another option when you sign up for the service? Worst case they gain a few customers that wouldn't have otherwise signed up.

Varlik
Without Honor You Will Never Be Free
Premium Member
join:2002-01-06
Anderson, SC

Varlik

Premium Member

Will Netflix Be The Next AOL?

I myself can't help but See similarities or at least comparatives between their situation and stances.

••••

dj_oedipus
@verizon.net

dj_oedipus

Anon

There's still a reason for Physical media imho.

Perhaps I'm a minority, but I still like physical media, mainly for High Def (BluRay) picture/sound quality, but I did purchase a Roku player for streaming Videos. The quality between the two is very obvious though even when on an OC12 at work. The movie selection on Netflix Instant Watch isn't very good either, but I would blame the movie studios for that as well.

TechyDad
Premium Member
join:2001-07-13
USA

TechyDad

Premium Member

Love my Netflix/Roku streaming

Nice to see so many Roku users on here.

I've been using my Roku box for a little over a month now and it has quickly become part of our daily entertainment lives. My older son quickly mastered the simple Roku remote. (Not surprising considering that he figured out on his own how to record a show using our cable DVR remote!) Our younger son regularly asks to watch Roku instead of cable TV. ("Want Bobby He Can Build It Roku" = Put one of the Bob The Builder videos on from Roku.) As for me, I've discovered quite a few shows that I never would have watched otherwise that I love (e.g. "The IT Crowd", "Tripping the Rift").

The only problem we've encountered has been connection issues and I'm sure that's my router. I'm exploring ways of improving my router's reception.
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