Netflix to get rid of DVDs???

[FreddyMyers]

Netflix Is Abandoning DVDs, Customers Who Prefer DVDs

Enjoy 'em while they last.

When Netflix started up more than 10 years ago, its sales pitch was pretty simple: Hey, subscribe to us, and we'll mail you DVDs that you can then mail back to us without worrying about any late fees. But as the rental market moves toward online and on-demand models, Netflix's iconic red envelopes may eventually become as antiquated as VHS tapes. Beefing up their streaming business, Netflix has predicted that in about two years their economics will be geared more toward their "Watch Instantly" service than through physical discs. For that to happen, Netflix will have to nudge their DVD-loyal customers to the new platform. And on Monday, the company learned just how hard that may be.


In a seemingly innocent 109-word blog post, Netflix director of product management Jamie Odell announced, "We're removing the 'Add to DVD Queue' option from streaming devices," suggesting that it was being done so that the company "can concentrate on offering you the titles that are available to watch instantly." Granted, the Netflix website still allows DVD queue updating, but this post, dropped on the morning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, created an immediate firestorm of comments -- most of them very, very angry.


"Clearly Netflix wants to send less discs through the mail, and therefore wants to make it more difficult for the user to add to their queue in furtherance of that," wrote "Eldendor." "Horrible idea!" wrote "usrbingeek." "Especially when there are still few titles available for streaming and the titles that you do have, seem to have very narrow license windows." On and on came the complaints, with most responders saying essentially (1) I like having access to DVDs even if I use a PS3 or mobile phone to stream movies on Netflix; and (2) there aren't enough good titles available on "Watch Instantly." "I think this is a totally foolish move on your part. I like to be able to add movies to my DVD queue from my iPhone," commented "b.dsign." "If this means that netflix is going to add more movies to watch instantly i support the change," "Beto" wrote, "but if they are not, then it's just a bad idea."


As of yet Netflix hasn't released any response, which, really, is their response. Whether customers like or not, Netflix knows that the future is moving away from physical discs and toward instant access. And, really, none of us who use Netflix should be surprised: Back in November the company announced that they were offering a new lower subscription rate for streaming-only customers while increasing the rate for people who still wanted DVDs. Right now, if you want DVDs from Netflix, the company is less than thrilled with you: They need you to get used to the idea of streaming films and TV shows so that you'll drop the physical disc habit: a craving, ironically, that they themselves created thanks to the ease of their iconic red envelopes.


But while Netflix is slowly discouraging the continued interest in DVDs, they face a different challenge even if their business model transformation succeeds. As Slate reported, if Netflix's streaming business takes off the way they think it will, it could prove a serious drain on America's broadband capacity, which is far less nimble than other countries'. Netflix is angering customers right now because the company wants to do away with DVDs: We don't even want to think of a future where Netflix angers the entire Internet community because too many people are streaming old episodes of "Friends" at the same time.

[bloody_ribcut]

Now those bad paople wont be able to make copies.

[Angra]

Not being american, so not a netflix user.

But to me it sounds like a sane idea.

The sales on the DVD market has gone downhill for almost 10 years now, all thanks to the many possiblilities on the internet.
You'll see, in a few years (maybe 10) there wont be any DVDs on the market at all, except for second hand shops. And i guess the same will happen to CDs and books.

In fact there will be way less shops around in 2020. Coz no physical shop can compete prices with an internet shop in the long run.

[Sistinas666]

I would be perfectly content watching my Netflix streaming exclusively but the selection is rather weak. Sure, there are hundreds of titles but not that many I actually want to watch. Hopefully they will expand the streaming selection soon.

[neverending]

It seems a bit premature. There's still a lot to be decided in the net neutrality battle, so cost of high-speed access may well be a huge stumbling block. Also, watching a movie on a computer may be fine for individuals who have a speedy enough computer. It's not so attractive for a group gathered together for DVD night, huddled around the 17" monitor...

[Sistinas666]

Originally Posted by neverending

Also, watching a movie on a computer may be fine for individuals who have a speedy enough computer. It's not so attractive for a group gathered together for DVD night, huddled around the 17" monitor...

The newer gaming consoles really help with the monitor problem. I use my Wii and 360 more for movie watching than actual gaming, lol.

[Despare]

I'm a hard copy guy myself, I will never rely on digital distribution and to be honest, the streaming selection they have now is ok but if they do away with DVDs I'll cancel the service. They'll lose customers but save money so we'll see if it's worth it to them.

[bwind22]

If they start streaming everything as it releases, I couldn't care less if they get rid of DVDs. In fact, I'd prefer to be able to watch whatever I want without having to wait for some other dude to return it and then wait again for it to get mailed to me.

If they don't improve the streaming selection though, then I'd just probably end my subscription and stick with redbox.

[TheWickerFan]

Originally Posted by neverending

It seems a bit premature. There's still a lot to be decided in the net neutrality battle, so cost of high-speed access may well be a huge stumbling block. Also, watching a movie on a computer may be fine for individuals who have a speedy enough computer. It's not so attractive for a group gathered together for DVD night, huddled around the 17" monitor...

Agreed. They're going way too fast. I'm pretty patient, I wait for films to come on HBO, Cinemax etc. most of the time, but the idea of having a steady stream of DVDs coming in seemed attractive. Glad I didn't bother; I wouldn't have liked having that taken away.

[wufongtan.]

I prefer dvd/blu ray. I only use the net to download old movies out of circulation. It is just a lot more convenient to do it the old way.