Netflix: Just One Stream For You!

News & Commentary
See Update: Netflix Flip-Flops On Streaming!

Netflix: Just One Stream For You!
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (September 7, 2011) -- Netflix has launched a new policy that permits subscribers to only stream one program at a time, writes Home Media Magazine.

The new policy prevents two or more people who share a Netflix account in the same household to watch different shows via streaming at the same time (unless you want to pay considerably more for the privilege; see below.) This is bad news for subscribers who own multiple devices in the house that offer Netflix streaming.

Crediting the web site StoptheCap.com, Home Media writes that the new policy was implemented during the Labor Day weekend.

The new streaming rule could further alienate Netflix subscribers who are still smarting over the company's new pricing structure. Starting this month, current Netflix subscribers can no longer watch streaming and rent DVDs/Blu-ray movies for the same monthly price of $7.99.

Instead, subscribers who want to stream will have to pay $7.99 a month, but not be able to rent discs. Likewise, disc renters who pay $7.99 a month will not be able to stream. To have access to both options, you will have to pay a minimum of $15.99 a month.

Home Media writes that the new streaming policy will mean higher prices if you want to steam more than one show at a time. For instance, if you subscribe to Netflix's 'two discs out at a time' plan, which is $19.98 a month, you can stream on two devices; the three-disc plan, which costs $23.98, permits three streams while the four-disc plan, which costs a whopping $29.98 a month, allows four streams.

Swanni Sez:
Commentary
Netflix seems determined to piss people off. Does the company have a death wish now? Why else would it raise prices and restrict streaming viewing at the same time?

It makes you wonder.

I suspect that Netflix has a grand plan up its sleeves that might somehow justify this mysterious behavior. But until I see it, it looks like the company is hell bent to shoot itself in the foot.

Make that both feet.

Swanni is Phillip Swann, president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

Click TVPredictions.com to read more news and features on TV technology.
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