New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Thoughts on streaming content

post #1 of 4
5/28/09 at 7:54am
Thread Starter 
I’ve finally got around to using Netflix’s streaming feature and I have to say I’m really enjoying it. The movies/TV shows start playing quickly, ~10s under the slowest FiOS available, which is important because I’m an impatient guy. The quality is good, equal to standard DVD; although I’m only using this on the 37” screen in my bedroom, so that may change when I try it on my larger screen. Plus it’s currently free, which is very nice – but I’ve got to believe they’re just working out the kinks and then they’ll charge for this just like they add a premium for Bluray disks.

But most of all it solves a problem that was becoming a nuisance, which is I was starting to have too many DVDs around to comfortably store (~600). Assuming this keeps on picking up steam I think I could shift to only buying the “4 star” DVDs, and watch all the others via streaming.

The big problem with that is availability, right now Netflix only has a small portion of their catalogue available via streaming; but it seems to be growing rapidly, so that’s promising.

I know I’m not on the leading edge of this, but I haven’t seen a lot of discussion of streaming on the HTF. What services are others using that might be better then Netflix? Are you guys considering it or ruled it out - why?

It just occurred to me that since I don’t have cable (not worth the cost), maybe that puts me into a different camp on this.
Reply
post #2 of 4
5/28/09 at 11:18am

Re: Thoughts on streaming content

The biggest problems for Netflix streaming are the title availability & the lack of 5.1 audio. For me it is currently just a bonus feature for the snail-mail service, not the main course. Only about 1/7 of the movies I want to see are available, so I just use it when my physical discs are in transit. Once they solve these problems it will be great.

Amazon/Vudu have better new release selection, and 5.1 audio, but the price is just too high for me given the number of movies I watch a year. $5/movie, vs. ~$2.50/movie to get Netflix to mail me the disc. For half price I can wait!

Netflix by mail is really the best deal. When DVD first came out I used to buy a lot more discs, taking advantage of cut-rate online sales, DVD clubs etc. Now I only buy my "5 star" titles (and probably should stop doing even that!), having realized that I just don't have the time to watch my collection; I barely keep up with new movies coming out. Really instead of buying any I should just be patient, and whenever I feel like watching a favorite again, just stick it on top of my queue and wait a few days.
Reply
post #3 of 4
5/29/09 at 6:18am
Thread Starter 

Re: Thoughts on streaming content

Ah, I didn't know about the lack of 5.1 audio. My test TV is not set up as a home theater. That would be a deal breaker moving out of the test phase.

I accidentally was introduced to Vudu. I ask my wife for a Roku box for my birthday and she got the Vudu. I was interested until I saw the price was $5; like you, I thought that was too much.

I also like Netflix's mail service, but even though they have a pretty darn quick turn-around, it's nice to have the immediate gratification. If I could get all my choices as streaming selections (@ 5.1) I'd switch over. (And they'd make more money, with no disks and shipping - so maybe one day.)

In the end I'm just surprised at the lack of interest in the "format"; reinforced by the lack of replies to the topic.
Reply
post #4 of 4
5/29/09 at 11:57am

Re: Thoughts on streaming content

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al.Anderson
Ah, I didn't know about the lack of 5.1 audio. My test TV is not set up as a home theater. That would be a deal breaker moving out of the test phase.

You can of course still use Prologic II to get matrixed surround. To me it is fine for talky dramas/comedies, but any action/sci-fi/comic book movie I rent the Blu-ray.

Quote:
I accidentally was introduced to Vudu. I ask my wife for a Roku box for my birthday and she got the Vudu. I was interested until I saw the price was $5; like you, I thought that was too much.

$5 is Amazon HD rental prices. Vudu I think is $4. Better but still more expensive than disc-by-mail. Netflix is just a fantastic bargain, as long as you have time to watch the movies. There have been years where I didn't watch that many, overpaid (should have dropped to lower plan but didn't), but other years I watch a ton & it averages out fine for me.

Quote:

I also like Netflix's mail service, but even though they have a pretty darn quick turn-around, it's nice to have the immediate gratification. If I could get all my choices as streaming selections (@ 5.1) I'd switch over. (And they'd make more money, with no disks and shipping - so maybe one day.)

Yeah, definitely the future. To get better selection of new releases the studios probably want Netflix to fork over more money though, I could see them eventually charging for the streaming and/or surcharges for new releases.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home