Netflix Changing Pricing Structure

[MadVillainy]

So even if I subscribe to the $79 a year plan or whatever it is, new releases arent any quicker right?

 

[hippie_hunter]

And with this, Netflix is holding on by a thread. (Concerning my subscription that is.LOL.)

Video at the jump.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/04/03/ps3-the-first-console-to-offer-amazon-instant-video/

No surprise there.

 

[StrainedEyes]

So even if I subscribe to the $79 a year plan or whatever it is, new releases arent any quicker right?

For free, no, they will take as long as they would for Netflix Streaming (which barely ever gets new movies). But you have access to a ton of new movies and shows for rental/purchase, similar to itunes or something like the Zune marketplace on Xbox Live.

You're trying to compare the Netflix disc service to the Amazon instant service, which isn't a direct comparison.

Also, that $79 gets you free two day shipping, cheaper one day shipping, ebook sharing, etc...

 

[marvelman2006]

I got a question though, if you pay for amazon prime is most of the catalog of instant tv shows and movies free? I just dont like how its still like $4 a rental. I mean this is all streaming now so why is it as much as it use to be when I rented from blockbuster while redbox is $1 a day. I think they should lower the prices to maybe $2 to be more attractive.

 

[Darthphere]

With movie studios putting restrictions on when new releases are available from Redbox ( I think it's 56 days now or something ridiculous like that) $4 to rent a movie the day of from the comfort of your own home, without having to drive somewhere is extremely attractive.

 

[StrainedEyes]

Yeah, I've taken to renting movies through my Xbox for the last few months. It's fast and convenient, and as long as I don't do it daily it's not much of an expense.

 

[Prison Mike]

When I turned on my PS3 last night to watch Netflix, I was happy to see the Amazon Instant Video app available there. I immediately linked my amazon account to my PS3. While I still prefer Netflix over Amazon Prime, I do rent new movies through Amazon Instant Video. Before, I was using Roku for that but now that my PS3 has everything I use, my roku is kind of obsolete. Amazon Instant Video is giving away first episodes of a variety of shows for free right now! Can't wait until Mission Impossibe Ghost Protocol is availabe.

 

[marvelman2006]

With movie studios putting restrictions on when new releases are available from Redbox ( I think it's 56 days now or something ridiculous like that) $4 to rent a movie the day of from the comfort of your own home, without having to drive somewhere is extremely attractive.

I dont think so, because I pay $10 a month for netflix and I still have a bunch of new movies to watch and if I had to pay $4 each I woud go broke. Itunes is definitely a rip off with there prices. I mean $19.99 for a digital copy? and $6 to rent a hd movie that is only good for 24 hours after you start watching it?

 

[Prison Mike]

I don't watch that many new movies to begin with. I love Netflix because I can catch up on old tv shows and some of the older movies for only $8 a month. If a new movie comes out that I really want to see then I'm willing to pay $4 for it through amazon. I'd rather not pay the extra $8 to Netflix for the DVD option. Actually, I hardly watch blu-ray or dvd movies. Now it's all about streaming for me. The only downside is that if my internet connection gets lost then I'm screwed.

 

[Darthphere]

I dont think so, because I pay $10 a month for netflix and I still have a bunch of new movies to watch and if I had to pay $4 each I woud go broke. Itunes is definitely a rip off with there prices. I mean $19.99 for a digital copy? and $6 to rent a hd movie that is only good for 24 hours after you start watching it?

Well again to you but for the vast majority $4 isn't asking much to rent a movie on a lazy day.

 

[Destructus86]

I subscribe to Netflix and Hulu and rent movies for $4 every now and then. Works great for me. I don't even need cable.

 

[wiegeabo]

Millions of Subscribers Leaving Cable TV for Streaming Services

I like the first comment

It's cheaper to get Amazon Prime, Hulu, AND Netflix than it is to pay for cable.

Add in a one-time payment for an antenna, and you're good to go.

 

[Destructus86]

And considering the fact so many good shows keep getting cancelled...it's probably better to wait for the DVD's or streaming before you get invested into a show.

 

[Donut]

Netflix creates Super-PAC to promote SOPA-like causes. The largest online-streaming corporation Netflix created a committee to support SOPA-like causes. Netflix has graced the PlayStation 3 since 2009, and Netflix has gone through a few ups and downs since, such as the price increase and the attempted splitting of services last year. Now, Netflix has sided with anti-piracy legislation and has created a special committee called FLIXPAC to support SOPA-like legislation.

During the last few waves of anti-piracy legislation, Netflix had put itself in support of the SOPA and PIPA propositions, but it backed out of support late in the campaign due to a massive public backlash of the appeals. Now that Netflix issued its support, it allows Netflix to fund and grant support for more appeals that fight against online piracy. This means that the newly-founded FLIXPAC could help bring proposed acts like the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) into fruition, since Netflix is such a major contributor to online streaming.

Netflix is a very popular entertainment medium, and the clout that is has over many industries is very influential. Without a doubt, the fight for anti-piracy is here for the long haul.

http://www.psu.com/Netflix-creates-Super-PAC-to-promote-SOPA-like-causes--a014945-p0.php

Some are saying this might not be true. So who knows ?

More here

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0412/74929.html

 

[Nemi]

When I turned on my PS3 last night to watch Netflix, I was happy to see the Amazon Instant Video app available there. I immediately linked my amazon account to my PS3. While I still prefer Netflix over Amazon Prime, I do rent new movies through Amazon Instant Video. Before, I was using Roku for that but now that my PS3 has everything I use, my roku is kind of obsolete. Amazon Instant Video is giving away first episodes of a variety of shows for free right now! Can't wait until Mission Impossibe Ghost Protocol is availabe.

How does the selection on Amazon compare to Netflix?

 

[wiegeabo]

Netflix creates Super-PAC to promote SOPA-like causes. The largest online-streaming corporation Netflix created a committee to support SOPA-like causes. Netflix has graced the PlayStation 3 since 2009, and Netflix has gone through a few ups and downs since, such as the price increase and the attempted splitting of services last year. Now, Netflix has sided with anti-piracy legislation and has created a special committee called FLIXPAC to support SOPA-like legislation.

During the last few waves of anti-piracy legislation, Netflix had put itself in support of the SOPA and PIPA propositions, but it backed out of support late in the campaign due to a massive public backlash of the appeals. Now that Netflix issued its support, it allows Netflix to fund and grant support for more appeals that fight against online piracy. This means that the newly-founded FLIXPAC could help bring proposed acts like the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) into fruition, since Netflix is such a major contributor to online streaming.

Netflix is a very popular entertainment medium, and the clout that is has over many industries is very influential. Without a doubt, the fight for anti-piracy is here for the long haul.

http://www.psu.com/Netflix-creates-Super-PAC-to-promote-SOPA-like-causes--a014945-p0.php

Some are saying this might not be true. So who knows ?

More here

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0412/74929.html

And suddenly, Netflix's licensing fees will start dropping...

 

[Darthphere]

Netflix creates Super-PAC to promote SOPA-like causes. The largest online-streaming corporation Netflix created a committee to support SOPA-like causes. Netflix has graced the PlayStation 3 since 2009, and Netflix has gone through a few ups and downs since, such as the price increase and the attempted splitting of services last year. Now, Netflix has sided with anti-piracy legislation and has created a special committee called FLIXPAC to support SOPA-like legislation.

During the last few waves of anti-piracy legislation, Netflix had put itself in support of the SOPA and PIPA propositions, but it backed out of support late in the campaign due to a massive public backlash of the appeals. Now that Netflix issued its support, it allows Netflix to fund and grant support for more appeals that fight against online piracy. This means that the newly-founded FLIXPAC could help bring proposed acts like the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) into fruition, since Netflix is such a major contributor to online streaming.

Netflix is a very popular entertainment medium, and the clout that is has over many industries is very influential. Without a doubt, the fight for anti-piracy is here for the long haul.

http://www.psu.com/Netflix-creates-Super-PAC-to-promote-SOPA-like-causes--a014945-p0.php

Some are saying this might not be true. So who knows ?

More here

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0412/74929.html

Can Netflix really afford anymore negative publicity? I know the saying but this can't be good if true.

 

[CConn]

And considering the fact so many good shows keep getting cancelled...it's probably better to wait for the DVD's or streaming before you get invested into a show.

...um...why? So you can enjoy their premature end without commercial breaks?

 

[CConn]

How does the selection on Amazon compare to Netflix?

It's slightly ****tier with movies, and doesn't seem to have nearly as many TV shows.

Although, it does have Pushing Daisies and both English and Swedish versions of the Millennium Trilogy. So that's pretty awesome of them.

 

[Destructus86]

...um...why? So you can enjoy their premature end without commercial breaks?

No...because then i'm always a season behind and i'll KNOW a show will laster longer than a season because by the time the dvd for season 1 comes out, season 2 is active.

 

[MadVillainy]

Netflix changed the layout for their Instant Stream. I like it. Although I'm getting A LOT of video lag with it

 

[wiegeabo]

Thanks for reminding me. I need to switch back to streaming.

My sister moved out, but she keeps taking the dvd's when they come in and sending them back. So I'm basically paying for her to watch stuff.

 

[Kane52630]

Did anyone get an email about some lawsuit from Netflix?

 

[MadVillainy]

no what did it say

 

[Kane52630]

If You Are a Current or Former Netflix Subscriber
A Class Action Settlement Could Affect You

Para una notificación en Español, llamar 1-866-898-5088 o visitar www.VideoPrivacyClass.com

Our records show that you were a current or former Netflix subscriber as of July 5, 2012. We are emailing to tell you about a Settlement that may affect your legal rights. Please read this email carefully. Go to www.VideoPrivacyClass.com for more information.

A Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit that claims Netflix unlawfully kept and disclosed information, including records on the movies and TV shows its customers viewed. Netflix denies that it has done anything wrong.

What does the Settlement provide?

Netflix has agreed to change its data retention practices so that it separates (known as “decoupling&#8221 Entertainment Content Viewing History (that is, movies and TV shows that someone watched) from identification information for those subscribers who have not been a Netflix subscriber for at least 365 days, with some exceptions.

In addition, Netflix will pay $9 million into a Settlement Fund to:
• Make donations to Court-approved not-for-profit organizations, institutions, or programs.
• Pay notice and settlement administration expenses.
• Pay attorneys’ fees of up to 25% or $2.25 million of the Settlement Fund, plus up to $25,000 in expenses.
• Pay a total incentive award of $30,000 to the Named Plaintiffs.

Proposals from potential donation recipients will be sought, and, after consideration, recommendations will be made to the Court. A list of the proposed donation recipients will be posted on the website.

Your Options

If you do nothing, you will remain in the Settlement and your rights will be affected. If you do not want to be included, you must exclude yourself by November 14, 2012. If you exclude yourself you will keep your right to sue Netflix about the claims in this lawsuit. If you remain in the Settlement, you can object to it by November 14, 2012.

The Court will hold a hearing on December 5, 2012 to consider any objections, whether to approve the Settlement, award attorneys’ fees, and incentive award. You can appear at the hearing, but you don’t have to. You can hire your own attorney, at your own expense, to appear or speak for you at the hearing.

This email and any attachments thereto may contain private, confidential, and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this email (or any attachments thereto) by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and permanently delete the original and any copies of this email and any attachments thereto.

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20...ts-are-mostly-about-making-lawyers-rich.shtml

For years, we've been pointing out that our class action lawsuit system is broken. It makes sense, in theory, that if a large group of people are wronged, that they can team up to right that wrong—but in practice it has morphed into a system where a bunch of bottom-feeder lawyers sue just about any company over every opportunity... and then those lawyers end up taking the bulk of the money. The "class" (the people supposedly wronged) rarely make much, if any money at all. Of course, one of the first stories that clued me into all of this involved a settlement in a class action lawsuit against Netflix way back in 2005, in which the lawyers got $2.5 million... and everyone in the "class" just got their accounts upgrade for a month (and if you forgot to manually downgrade after that month was over, you were charged more). As I noted at the time, this seemed more like a promotional stunt for Netflix and a way for a bunch of lawyers to make a ton of money.

So it's interesting to see that with yet another class action lawsuit being settled involving Netflix, there are similar concerns. A whole bunch of folks sent in variations on the fact that Netflix will be paying out $9 million with a grand total of none of it going to the class (unless you happened to be one of the two named plaintiffs -- Jeff Milans and Peter Comstock -- who get to split $30,000). Most of the money is going to a charity. But somewhere around $2.25 million is going to the lawyers.

To be clear, I think the lawsuit itself is a bit silly anyway. It involves the fact that Netflix retained info on customers who quit. Big whoop. But whether or not you agree with the premise of the lawsuit, the end result seems even sillier: those supposedly "harmed" get nothing, but the lawyers walk away with over $2 million? It's this kind of thing that creates incentives for more such lawsuits driven by law firms in the hopes of cashing in.