6 Comments

Netflix streaming “Watch Now” is coming

January 16, 2007 by in AV,Cool,Entertainment,Tech with 6 Comments

Previously, we noted that Netflix Previews would usher in movie downloads for paying subscribers. The time for Netflix streaming content is finally upon us as Netflix plans to roll out support for streaming movies over the next few months. The New York Times reports on the latest with their Netflix to Deliver Movies to the PC [via]. The NYT’s title literally translates into Netflix’s current plans to offer streaming content to PC’s only (with plans for wider support over the next few months).

The service is, of course, free to paying subscribers. However, worth noting is the fact that subscribers will be allotted a specific number of viewing hours per month. These hour allotments are based upon your current subscription level i.e. $17.99 tier subscribers will receive 18 hours of viewing time.

The service, which will be introduced over six months, works only on recent versions of Windows and Internet Explorer. Over time, Mr. Hastings hopes to expand the catalog of titles and make the service available on other hardware and software combinations, including set-top boxes, television screens and portable devices.

“Recent versions of Windows and Internet Explorer”. Yuck, does that translate into IE7 users only? Blech. What are you thoughts on the service? Are you more curious to explore your video options now that you know Netflix offers mailing and streaming access to content?


  • Cynic821

    I will still rent my HD-DVD / BD content but for something older and not available, id definatly give it a shot ONLY if it was at a minimum 720 x 480 . I pay the 17.99 anyways. But i doubt id use it after the novelty try

  • http://www.xbox-scene.com jC!

    I think it’s a step in the right direction for NetFlix. Looks like their trying to fight back to Blockbusters Total Access now and release the service early with the Windows/IE limitation.

    All I can hope for is either integration into Windows Media Center, or a clever open API for the programmers of the XBMC project.

  • Chris

    Did you know Netflix is going to be streaming these across the internets that hold our own personal internets? Our tubes are going to be so clogged by these greedy capitalists that it’s going to take weeks for my internet to reach my neighbor’s internet.

  • Jerry

    Hmm.. Watch a downloaded movie on my 21″ monitor at my desk in a semi-comfortable chair, or rent a DVD and watch on my 32″ TV on my comfy couch.

    I’ll take the couch option.

    (Of course, I don’t have a media center PC or anything, but I’m betting the majority of intraweb users don’t either)

  • capitol

    for an on demand in the bed on a laptop solution it rocks.
    it would be a far strecth for xbmc to integrate this as netflix seems to be requiring Windows XP SP2 with IE and WMP 10. Their terms of service indicate that they can and will scan your system for existing software which may or may not terminate the install process.

  • Bashful

    The disadvantage I see about streaming videos through the internet into the computer is that you are limited to only your computer monitor to watch the movie instantly.

    When watching movies, I would perfer sitting or lying on a comfy couch or lying in the bed and watch them from my 27 inch or 35 inch television with a remote control in my hand rather than sitting in a straight uncomfortable chair watching them from a 17 or 19 inch computer monitor.

    I perfer Blockbuster Total Access because I can go to any store and exchange my online movies out for free in-store rentals whenever I feel in the mood for a new movie for the night that I can watch from my television in comfort rather than sitting at the computer watching the movie in discomfort in a wooden straight chair.

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