So if no one saw it, Netflix is raising our monthly rates, while adding a streaming-only service to their list. I personally am not happy with this. With sketchy Streaming-server here lately and my job cutting hours, I might be cutting this from my monthly bill. I would only accept this if we got something in return, but by all accounts we aren't and they are just raising rates for whatever reason they feel inclined.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/22/technology/netflix_streaming_plan/?iid=MPM (http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/22/technology/netflix_streaming_plan/?iid=MPM)
I am currently considering my options and importance this has right now. I could switch to Hulu+, iTunes renting, Redbox or other solutions. Or stick with Netflix, I'm not sure at this point. Suffice to say, I am not happy with Netflix right now.
Thoughts?
King
All I do is stream, mostly kids shows and movies. I'm downgrading.
You can rent from iTunes? Films or TV?
So, raising by $1 per month...hmm. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it could add up, especially when I've had nothing but issues with the streaming lately - especially on the iPhone...
I can handle $1.00 more a month. Still the best entertainment value around.
Quote from: Rico on November 22, 2010, 01:58:09 PM
I can handle $1.00 more a month. Still the best entertainment value around.
Not to mention another stock I own a lot of. :)
Quote from: Rico on November 22, 2010, 01:58:09 PM
I can handle $1.00 more a month. Still the best entertainment value around.
I still dislike it... Mostly cause I don't get the option of raises with my paycheck :(
King
It's a buck a month and if you're only streaming, it's a buck less a month.
Quote from: X on November 22, 2010, 04:26:34 PM
It's a buck a month and if you're only streaming, it's a buck less a month.
So just because its small makes it right? What if everything today went up a buck? That's a noticeable change I'd say. Considering actually that everything has been going up more than a $1 over a wide range of products (food, electronics, gas, etc) here lately means we are spending more for less.
Yes, I could quit Netflix, I realize that.
King
When did they last put prices up?
The cost of pretty much everything has risen recently and the end user is the one who pays. This is presumably nothing more than a reflection of a poor economy and increasing expense. They're certainly not going to pay the increase in cost for their customers if they can avoid it.
$1 isn't a big deal.. that's actually a very reasonable rate for what they offer. I'm actually going to drop Netflix.. since I can't stream and I've had the same DVD (True Blood S1 D4) for the past month it's not worth it to me. Maybe one day my internet will get better and I can use their streaming system.
Quote from: Kingisaaclinksr on November 22, 2010, 04:30:57 PM
Quote from: X on November 22, 2010, 04:26:34 PM
It's a buck a month and if you're only streaming, it's a buck less a month.
So just because its small makes it right? What if everything today went up a buck? That's a noticeable change I'd say. Considering actually that everything has been going up more than a $1 over a wide range of products (food, electronics, gas, etc) here lately means we are spending more for less.
Yes, I could quit Netflix, I realize that.
King
Does it make it right? Sure! That's the cost of business. Most of the people that I know are only streaming on Netflix and this will save them money. Yes prices are increasing, but why would they not raise prices?
You have three options.
Pay
Don't pay
Get streaming and use redbox for physical movies.
It's not like they are price gouging here. 3 cents a day extra ... that will really break the bank.
I don't even subscribe (in fact have never subscribed) but I really fnd it hard to conceive that a $1.00 a month is an unreasonable rate hike. You could skip one latte a month and pay for it (or whatever indulgences you partake). We all put money into what is of value to us. For me personally Netflix would not be a worthwhile investment, but for many people I see it as a good value for the buck.
Kevin
I'm a pretty conservative person, but I agree it's just not that much. Netflix to me is still worth having for 1 dollar more. I love Netflix and alright I'll continue to support them with a 1 dollar increase. And more revenue for them I figure means they can get more stuff and more things on the instant watch.
You know, I agree that $1 more per month isn't all that much. For most of us. Let's not forget that not everyone in the world has the same luxuries we all do. Some people on this forum for example may be in situations that dictate that even $1 more is out of their budget. So, while we are all praising NetFlix for only raising their subscription by $1, let's not smash those who say they can't afford it.
With that being said, let's hope NetFlix can get their act together and get the streaming to the iPhone done up right. I've had major issues with it of late. I even contacted them and they told me I have to be on a good network. Hey, I'm on ATT network, and doesn't ATT say they're the BEST 3G network in the world? :) But alas, even on a strong Wi-Fi I have video quality issues (major pixelation/audio video not matching up, pauses, etc). I've sent them another message but have yet to hear back. Good news is that streaming from the XBox 360 seems to be ok.
Quote from: QuadShot on November 23, 2010, 06:49:12 AM
You know, I agree that $1 more per month isn't all that much. For most of us. Let's not forget that not everyone in the world has the same luxuries we all do. Some people on this forum for example may be in situations that dictate that even $1 more is out of their budget. So, while we are all praising NetFlix for only raising their subscription by $1, let's not smash those who say they can't afford it.
Honestly if you are can't afford $1 dollar rate hike for all their new services, than maybe you should be asking yourself should you have Netflix to begin with... just saying Netflix is a luxury not a necessity.
Quote from: QuadShot on November 23, 2010, 06:49:12 AM
With that being said, let's hope NetFlix can get their act together and get the streaming to the iPhone done up right. I've had major issues with it of late. I even contacted them and they told me I have to be on a good network. Hey, I'm on ATT network, and doesn't ATT say they're the BEST 3G network in the world? :) But alas, even on a strong Wi-Fi I have video quality issues (major pixelation/audio video not matching up, pauses, etc). I've sent them another message but have yet to hear back. Good news is that streaming from the XBox 360 seems to be ok.
Streaming content is all about the "pipe." Here's a handy guide:
Wired connection (TV, computer) = best
WiFi = not too bad, watchable
3G = good luck
It's not really as much a Netflix thing as it is a network thing. You are really asking for it to do a lot with a pretty small pipe and lots of data. One approach is higher compression, but that obviously has drawbacks such as picture quality. As Scotty would say, "I can't change the laws of physics!" ;)
Rico, that's actually very good to know! NO one has ever explained it to me that way. I do use the Wi-Fi at work, so, it's probably not a very big "pipe"...I mean, can't even get FaceTime to work on it. And I like the 3G = Good luck. So, the 3G is actually, GGG or, Good Good Good luck! :)
Kenny, I understand what you're saying and I agree. It is a luxury. I guess what I was trying to say (in a non-offensive sort of way) is that we shouldn't (in my opinion at least) "attack" someone who says they can't afford it. Just my feelings anyway...:)
Quote from: Geekyfanboy on November 23, 2010, 07:51:39 AM
Quote from: QuadShot on November 23, 2010, 06:49:12 AM
You know, I agree that $1 more per month isn't all that much. For most of us. Let's not forget that not everyone in the world has the same luxuries we all do. Some people on this forum for example may be in situations that dictate that even $1 more is out of their budget. So, while we are all praising NetFlix for only raising their subscription by $1, let's not smash those who say they can't afford it.
Honestly if you are can't afford $1 dollar rate hike for all their new services, than maybe you should be asking yourself should you have Netflix to begin with... just saying Netflix is a luxury not a necessity.
Very true and well said.
Perhaps I opened my mouth a bit to wide :) I didnt' mean to start (another) topical debate on need versus want. I just remember what it was like for me and Joyce when we have very little money and even though it wasn't wise in the least, from time to time we'd "splurge" on "luxuries" because we needed to FEEL normal. So, (and forgive me because I DO have a BA in Behavioral Science :)) although the actual item wasn't a need but a want, the feeling of "normalcy" WAS a need (Maslow) to us. So, what I'm trying to say is, lets not judge whether or not someone SHOULD be spending money on something if a meager $1 pushes their budget, and try to understand WHY they are spending money on something they ought not to. :) There's little worse than being poor and knowing you CAN'T afford the smallest of luxuries. Kind of kicks ya in the man berries. Sorry, this is me jumping off my soap box :eekout.
Quote from: QuadShot on November 23, 2010, 08:52:55 AM
Kenny, I understand what you're saying and I agree. It is a luxury. I guess what I was trying to say (in a non-offensive sort of way) is that we shouldn't (in my opinion at least) "attack" someone who says they can't afford it. Just my feelings anyway...:)
Well I hope nothing I said was seen as an "attack" on anyone, of course everyone is allowed to have their opinion, if you think a buck increase is ridiculous than it's ridiculous.. to you.
I was trying to point out that Netflix is now streaming and when they started this they didn't charge any extra costs, they included this in their regular fees. I mean it could have been alot worse.. they could have charged alot more then a buck for this new service. Also if you only use their streaming they lowered the price by a buck.
Right, price is relative to everyone. For some it's out of necessity, for others it's the principle. Let's not forget that this is a discussion forum, discussion is encouraged. It may get heated, but we're all friends here at the end of the day. With the introduction of the streaming only plan, it kind of makes sense to increase the DVD plans slightly. I'm sure bulk mail costs are always on the rise and if less people are going to be on the by mail plan then they lose certain economies of scale.
Yeah, they are making a decision, a good one IMO, to drive the streaming subscription service and make the DVD option a bit less attractive as it is a lot more cost intensive for them.
I'll be happy when they get to the point when the streaming and first DVD release happen VERY close together or at the same time. Right now there is a lag. Sometimes it's a few weeks, sometime months or more. I still like to get the physical discs of new releases for some movies rather than wait for the streaming option. It's a tricky thing since the movie folks want to make money off every release. Like this model:
$$$ from:
Theater release
Pay per view
Premium cable
DVD/Blu-Ray sales
DVD/Blu-Ray rentals
Streaming
TV broadcast
Extended Edition of film
(cycle restarts)...
I'm actually pretty excited about this development from one of our big movie chains:
QuoteCineplex Entertainment to rent, sell movies online
By Etan Vlessing – Thu Nov 18, 8:04 pm ET
TORONTO (Hollywood Reporter) – Far away from the local multiplex, Cineplex Entertainment is selling Hollywood movie titles to Canadians.
The Canuck exhibition giant has joined the movie download business, allowing Canadians to rent or buy movies from its own website, Cineplex.com, day and date with DVDs and Blu-ray releases.
Most new release rentals are priced at $4.99 each, with older titles costing $2.99 or $3.99.
To own, around 2,600 titles sell from $5 to $24.99 each, with an average new release costing $19.99.
The movies can then be played on a PC computer or other digital devices, and even stored in Cineplex's online digital locker.
The move aims to allow Canadians to view a Hollywood movie title at one of Cineplex's theatres, buy a physical DVD or Blu-ray disc at a multiplex store, and now download movies so that consumers think of Cineplex when they think of movie-viewing.
The digital download offering extends Cineplex's roots as a bricks and mortar multiplex destination, and allows the exhibitor to keep pace with new digital technologies, including VOD, new video formats, including release of titles in high-definition Blu-Ray format, and online video downloading and streaming.
The movie download service also allows Cineplex to keep pace with new competition from iTunes, Netflix Canada service and other foreign video portals.
Cineplex's movie downloading service will kick off with thousands of titles from major Hollywood studios, including Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros.
DVD and Blu-ray additions to the digital library will be made as they become available on the open market, starting with titles like "Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World," "Sex and the City 2" and "Eat Pray Love."
Movies purchased and downloaded can be stored either on a consumer's hard drive or in a digital locker stored in the Cineplex Player that customers will download when they make their first digital download purchase.
The locker allows purchasers to store their movie safely and securely without draining space on their device's hard drive and allowing unlimited future downloads of movie titles.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101119/media_nm/us_cineplex (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101119/media_nm/us_cineplex)
Those prices seem high Joe. Especially since Netflix has now started in Canada.
They are a bit high right now but this is a movie theater chain moving in a good direction. To me the next step would be doing digital downloads of movies within a few weeks of their theater release. I'd be willing to pay a premium price to see a new theater release at home (even 20-30 dollars, about the cost of two tickets).
Quote from: billybob476 on November 23, 2010, 10:50:31 AM
They are a bit high right now but this is a movie theater chain moving in a good direction. To me the next step would be doing digital downloads of movies within a few weeks of their theater release. I'd be willing to pay a premium price to see a new theater release at home (even 20-30 dollars, about the cost of two tickets).
Don't you have pay-per-view?
Honestly, I think we do but it's *really* not a big thing here these days. At least as far as I can see.
I actually think the quicker Pay-per-view option is a BIG untapped market but it needs two things to improve it. Slightly quicker release to homes from the theater run and slightly cheaper cost. I don't do pay-per-view but right now it can take a few months and the cost can be kind of high - like $20 for a movie. Now, keep in mind the DVD might come out in a month or two and rentals too after that. What they need is for them to be available very soon after the theater run at say $10.00 (about a one ticket cost). I think that model could do well. But of course, it may cut into other profit areas. It's a complicated thing.
Right, I guess that's why I'm excited by the fact that a movie theater is doing it. It would create an additional revenue stream for them, get people paying for 'tickets' who would likely not be doing it otherwise and they would be well positioned to manage releases.
Quote from: Geekyfanboy on November 23, 2010, 10:14:37 AM
Quote from: QuadShot on November 23, 2010, 08:52:55 AM
Kenny, I understand what you're saying and I agree. It is a luxury. I guess what I was trying to say (in a non-offensive sort of way) is that we shouldn't (in my opinion at least) "attack" someone who says they can't afford it. Just my feelings anyway...:)
Nope! I would have never interpreted what you've said (ever actually) as an attack brother. I think you're a nice guy Kenny, honestly, I'm just not conveying my message clearly enough. I have that problem from time to time. My head knows exactly what to say and how to say it, then my mouth screws it all up! :)
Well I hope nothing I said was seen as an "attack" on anyone, of course everyone is allowed to have their opinion, if you think a buck increase is ridiculous than it's ridiculous.. to you.
I was trying to point out that Netflix is now streaming and when they started this they didn't charge any extra costs, they included this in their regular fees. I mean it could have been alot worse.. they could have charged alot more then a buck for this new service. Also if you only use their streaming they lowered the price by a buck.
Quote from: billybob476 on November 23, 2010, 10:18:52 AM
Right, price is relative to everyone. For some it's out of necessity, for others it's the principle. Let's not forget that this is a discussion forum, discussion is encouraged. It may get heated, but we're all friends here at the end of the day. With the introduction of the streaming only plan, it kind of makes sense to increase the DVD plans slightly. I'm sure bulk mail costs are always on the rise and if less people are going to be on the by mail plan then they lose certain economies of scale.
Oh no kidding! The price of postage it going up...again!
I'll keep the 3 at a time plan, because I don't have cable and I like the service.