Netflix has just announced its new “Watch Now” feature that allows subscribers to watch their rented movies streamed over the Internet. This was a direct response to Blockbuster’s Total Access program, which allows its subscribers to come back and get new movies from local Blockbuster stores, a feature Netflix could never compete with. The Blockbuster franchise is simply too big. However, as the internet speeds up and more people connect their TV to their PC, movie streaming is becoming the future.
Movie streaming is a service that companies like Apple and Amazon also offer, so Netflix is certainly the first to do this, but it’s the first company to stream movies alongside DVD rentals. Subscribers can watch one hour of video for every dollar their subscription costs. So the $17.99 plan will get you 18 hours of movie viewing through Netflix.
So what’s the deal with movie streaming anyway? Who would want to watch an entire movie on their computer monitor? Well, the technology is finally catching up to make this a possibility. First, broadband Internet speeds are getting faster. Second, more and more consumers are finding ways to connect their computer to their TV, even wirelessly. Therefore, the video on your computer need not be confined to your monitor.
And what does all this mean for the DVD and movie rental industry and, more importantly, for consumers? Those who depend on DVD rentals to make money better start finding a way to stream their movies to their customers. Consumers are beginning to want their videos and movies On Demand, and as technology grows, so will the demand for instant gratification.
For all consumers, you may not be ready for streaming video yet. Current offers from DVD rental companies may be right for you. If that describes your needs, then you’re still in the majority. Video streaming is not as popular as traditional online DVD rental services offered by companies like Netflix, Blockbuster, and GameznFlix. The switch to streaming video will be slow, but it will happen. Don’t worry, you won’t have to change until you’re ready.
What can we expect in the near future?
So just sit back, relax and wait for the changes to happen. Video streaming may seem like a novelty for now, but pretty soon everyone will be using it in one form or another. Maybe one day all your movies, videos, and TV shows will come straight from the Internet to your TV screen.