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Netflix lifts limits on streaming movies

Posted Jan 14 2008, 06:24 AM by Kim Peterson
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Netflix does most of its business by mail, but the company is getting ready for the future by spending $40 million on a video streaming service for customers with high-speed Internet connections. Today, the company is lifting restrictions on that service so that customers can watch as many movies and television shows as they want from Netflix's library of 6,000 titles.

Netflix previously set time limits on how much customers could watch per month, presumably to save money on bandwidth and the fees it must pay Hollywood when a movie is streamed. Today's move could be costly, because the company isn't raising its monthly rates to compensate for the added expenses.

Why the sudden burst of generosity? We probably have Apple to thank. If the rumors are true, Apple is set to announce movie rentals over iTunes tomorrow at its Macworld Expo. Apple hasn't been much of a competitor to Netflix before, but with a movie rental service the company becomes a threat.

Netflix's unlimited streaming could take off later this year when the company debuts a set-top box by LG Electronics that will stream movies to TVs.

Not everyone can use the unlimited streaming feature. Customers on Netflix's $4.99-a-month plan aren't invited. Mac users are out of luck as well, because the service only works with Windows.

So is the streaming library any good? At the top of Netflix's Top 50 streamed list are full seasons of "Heroes," "The Office" and "30 Rock." Films on that list include "Pan's Labyrinth," "The Italian Job" and a bunch of movies I've never heard of.

Has anyone streamed Netflix movies to their PC? How did you like it? Share your experiences in the comments. 

Comments

 

When they first started doing it, it was fine.  But they changed something in their streaming movies and now I can no longer watch them. All I get is a green screen. I've tried a couple of different patched to no avail. So opening this up is not so appealing to me, since is does me no good.

streamed netflix movies were watchable on my PC and would likely have proven better had i had a better graphics card and monitor. i am greatly satisfied with the service and can't wait to hear more about the set top box. if i don't want to wait on a movie i can always stream it instantly! the only drawback? not all movies are available for streaming. i hope this is addressed along with the unlimited viewing rule change.  netflix would certainly have the upper hand then.

I am using Netflix Online now and I love it!

To me it is better then receiving movies in the mail.

No having to go to the mailbox to send movies back,

because you have them right at your fingertips.

I just wish that all Netflix movies were offered in

this deal.

I believe the more offered, plus the newest ones

will bring more customers to Netflix.

Even though our highspeed internet connection can be temperamental, my wife and I have enjoyed several movies over the internet from Netflix. You're right about the limited

selection- something we are hoping to see improve. I have a fairly high-end LCD monitor,

some good speakers with a subwoofer, and when we pull a section of couch over in front

of the computer and make popcorn, It's great! The option to watch movies online adds value, convenience, and appeal to Netflix in my opinion, and is helping them keep me as a customer.

I have been watching Netflix movies on my P.C. for about 3 weeks now.  The service works great for me. Easy access, quick download and start up.  Downside, I have to shut down my Anonymizer privacy software.    

While in the process of updating my A/V equipment, I watched a few movies on my laptop downstreamed from Netflix.   I have a medium speek DSL through AT&T.  It wasn't bad.   Buffering was good -- no pauses in playing the movie (you can't skip forward or backwards), audio was fine, and the picture quality (in full screen) was on par with a VHS tape recorded on Extended Play.   Probably over a T1 line or with a cable modem the picture quality would be much better.   What can I say?   It was convenient and viewable.  

YES.... I WATCH STREAMING NETFLIX ON MY TV.  JUST RAN A S-CABLE TO THE TV AND A SOUND LINE AND WALLAH. I JUST WISH THERE WAS MORE SELECTION OF MOVIES. WE WATCH A LOT OF LAW AND ORDER WHEN THE REGULAR NETFLIX ARE IN THE MAIL. IT HELPS TO HAVE A DESCENT VIDEO CARD. WHERE WILL THE TECHNOLOGY TAKE US NEXT. IT'S ALL CHANGING SO FAST.

I have a presentation projector in my living room and use it to have a 101" hd TV.  I also have a computer there just for streaming movies.  It works great and I use it regularly.  Glad to here the limit will be gone.

I have Netflix, but I let my friend try out the movie streaming since I felt the time allotment I was getting for it was going to waste.  He said it was really cool and has enjoyed a few movies via streaming.  Now that I've got him hooked, he's going to get his own subscription!

I have not tryed Netflix, but have tried Vongo.  They are full of low budget movies and do not add new movies nearly enough to justify the cost.  Hopefully Netflix is better.

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