Netflix raising rates...

ElfManDan · November 22, 2010, 11:46:10 PM

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.

QuadShot · 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.

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.

Geekyfanboy · 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.

Rico · November 23, 2010, 07:58:45 AM

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!" ;)

QuadShot · November 23, 2010, 08:52:55 AM

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...:)

Bryancd · November 23, 2010, 08:58:50 AM

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.

QuadShot · November 23, 2010, 09:11:12 AM

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.

Geekyfanboy · 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...:)

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.

billybob476 · 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.

Bryancd · November 23, 2010, 10:22:22 AM

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.

Rico · November 23, 2010, 10:31:31 AM

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)...

billybob476 · November 23, 2010, 10:37:41 AM

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

Rico · November 23, 2010, 10:44:12 AM

Those prices seem high Joe. Especially since Netflix has now started in Canada.

billybob476 · 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).

Rico · November 23, 2010, 11:00:59 AM

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?