Netflix

[megomania]

Well...so much for NetFlix splitting DVD and Streaming...

NEW YORK —
Netflix generates more head-scratching plot twists than a cheap B-movie.

On Monday, the company said it would reverse a previously announced decision to put its DVD-by-mail and Internet streaming services on separate websites, a plan that was widely derided by Netflix subscribers.

People will be able to use both services under one account and one password, CEO Reed Hastings said Monday in a blog post.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...tflixdvds.html

[Adam West]

Disney always seems to jump into industries that really isn't their strength (I'm surprised they haven't tried purchasing a cable company or two yet).

The stock market obviously doesn't like this move. Netflix stock has been on a tear and has dropped 50% and still falling. I did read that the same thing happened years ago when Amazon announced they were going to jump into the dvd rental business by mail.

[SeattleEd]

I personally enjoy purchasing some DVD's not only because I will watch it multiple times but I enjoy watching the Special Features (maybe I'm the exception to the rule). I am guessing they are splitting the two businesses because they see two distinct set of customers. They will probably offer different levels of streaming services (some which will include brand new releases....at a price). Others will be happy to take the lower price and receive the hard copy dvd. They have both ends of the market covered and aren't cannibalizing one business over the other. I suspect the next move on the horizon will be to spinoff the mail order business into a seperate company with its own stock. Netflix obviously wants the streaming business but is keeping the mail business because it is a cash cow. With the two seperated; they will now be willing to sell the dvd mail business to someone who might want it (Redbox might be a good choice). Pretty smart business move on their part. They were early adapters in the streaming video market and it is a killer app.

That was my initial thought as well. Gives them equity to strengthen or revamp their business model. Not sure how they will overcome the Starz debacle since Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is part of that umbrella but only limited content. I've heard WDSHE plans on doing their own streaming with help from Deluxe. This should be interesting.

[Adam West]

I personally enjoy purchasing some DVD's not only because I will watch it multiple times but I enjoy watching the Special Features (maybe I'm the exception to the rule). I am guessing they are splitting the two businesses because they see two distinct set of customers. They will probably offer different levels of streaming services (some which will include brand new releases....at a price). Others will be happy to take the lower price and receive the hard copy dvd. They have both ends of the market covered and aren't cannibalizing one business over the other. I suspect the next move on the horizon will be to spinoff the mail order business into a seperate company with its own stock. Netflix obviously wants the streaming business but is keeping the mail business because it is a cash cow. With the two seperated; they will now be willing to sell the dvd mail business to someone who might want it (Redbox might be a good choice). Pretty smart business move on their part. They were early adapters in the streaming video market and it is a killer app.

[jds1911a1]

Both channels have theri values. DVD is good if you want to hear commentary or see bonus stuff (or put on subtitles). without those features wathcing via stream isn't much better than a vhs

Streaming expands what's available to inlcude stuff that may have distribution issues for DVD or (with NF I could watch the early seasons of top gear for instance and the original Mighty morphin power rangers) and stuff i wouldn't want to have a copy of forever. I had even opted to pay the upgrade to have both but now with 2 sites and 2 accounts what a pain

[The Toyroom]

I've just been doing the streaming for a few months...I tend to watch old TV shows as opposed to movies

[ODBJBG]

Streaming was great with DVDs for a while. I was a early adopter on that, but I'm getting out now. The price hikes are pointless as the services are going backwards not forward. Plus I get so much more streaming stuff through my cable now that I haven't even hooked up Netflix since I moved. Aside from offbeat 80's movies, there's not a lot on the actual streaming that I need and I always forget to return my DVDs anyway. Sorry to those who have been waiting on those Green Hornet serials, I'll get em back to Netflix or Quickster or whatever the fudge they're called soon.

[thunderbolt]

Exactly how I feel. I already have 200 channels of crap with nothing on and the streaming content is brutal on Netflix.

I went to the 2 movie at a time also. Prob stay there. I do agree that streaming is the future, but there better be more than the Flintstones on there.

There is tons of stuff on Netflix streaming besides the Flintstones movie.... Star Trek, Twilight Zone, Mission Impossible, about 30 MST3K episodes, Twin Peaks, Thriller, Third Rock from the Sun, most Marvel cartoons, all the older Bond movies, a bunch of the Universal monster movies, the Lone Ranger

[Jason73]

I only rent from Scarecrow video. Thank God I live in Seattle.

[Brue]

A lot of misconceptions here.
I believe the deal is:

You can continue to update your queue through the same login.
They have pretty much every DVD that exists AND they are adding video games
You currently get streaming of a limited list if titles for less than 10 bucks - much better than cable.
You can get 20+ DVDs a month (2 disc deal) for for what it costs to rent TWO videos from blockbuster.

QUIT YOUR CRYING!

[toys2cool]

I wanted to try Net Flix but never got around to it...... O well

it was awesome until they pulled this crap and raising the fee's

[TEXASFETT]

I wanted to try Net Flix but never got around to it...... O well

[doctor09210]

I love to have netflix streaming and red box,
i hate having to wait a few days to get the dvd i wanted to watch 3 days ago
redbox is great
streaming is better

DEATH TO BLOCKBUSTER!!!

[Zemo]

Since this splitting of service doesn't include any price adjustments, I'll stick with it. When the new pricing plans were announced over the summer, we adjusted our plan from 3 DVDs + streaming to just 2 DVDs, which was overdue for us anyway.

Streaming only is still not an option since the offerings are still extremely slim. At least when it comes to new, mainstream films.

Exactly how I feel. I already have 200 channels of crap with nothing on and the streaming content is brutal on Netflix.

I went to the 2 movie at a time also. Prob stay there. I do agree that streaming is the future, but there better be more than the Flintstones on there.

[kennermike]

LOL.

I just nixed DVD and added HULUPlus. Since a my kids like the selection on HULU as well.
As Hec stated, Redbox is an option and is around our neighborhood since Blockbuster closed shop. There is only one place to rent movies in our hood and it's on top of the hill, right Mike?

I dont know the one on top of the hill? but theirs 2 RedBoxes on Queen Anne East in front of the 7-11 and inside QFC LOL