Any downside to Netflix

[Green Sub]

Last week I signed up for Netflix. 1 movie out at a time for $8.99 per month plus unlimited streaming. It's working very well with that new Samsung 40" flat panel, Mac Mini with Snow Leopard, and a 3.0 MB DSL line.

So is there a downside to this service? Oh, I even have an app on my iPhone where I can add movies to my queue when I'm browsing other stores.

[Idle Swede]

I have 2 movies at a time for $14.95 and love it.

[Brushpup]

I'll tell ya..

It's been a long time since I can remember getting better service from anyone on anything. We have been simply amazed at the quick service. No gripes here at all.

[ijen0311]

The longer I had the service, the slower my movies came, until I quit. May not happen to everyone, but I believe their distribution is based on some type of algorithm

[Sperry]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

The longer I had the service, the slower my movies came, until I quit. May not happen to everyone, but I believe their distribution is based on some type of algorithm

While that was completely true, discovery convinced netflix to change their ways.

I've got to figure out this streaming thing.

[HYDROMAROC]

I would get 3 at a time burn them and send them right back... They started to come slower and slower after about 2 months of doing that... then I dropped them after I got a nice collection going...

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by Sperry

While that was completely true, discovery convinced netflix to change their ways.

I've got to figure out this streaming thing.

I love the online streaming. It is great when I work on my desktop (dual screen and can stream movies in my side monitor).

[vh_bu98]

The only downside is that the more popular movies take a bit of time to arrive when they are initially released. This seems to be a big issue especially when it's in the blu-ray format.

[clew84]

Love it. Movie return times are really quick. A big fan of their service.

[Brunotheboxer]

It's been working for me for years.

[sakuraba]

Love it!

The only down side is that I never get to line up at the theaters anymore.

[scoobydoo]

The only downside would be if you do not watch enough movies to make the monthly plan worth it. I have the 2 movie per month plan and sometimes I do not even watch one movie. For me, the convenience is worth it; no late fees and no driving to the local rental shop.

[iSellJerseyShore]

I am a long time user of NetFlix, I tried BlockBusters service but it just couldn't compare. The selection and speed of NetFlix is way better. When NetFlix first launched it took quite a long time for new movies to arrive, but since then they have built of numerous distribution centers across the country which make getting even the most hard to find movie quick and easy.

Enjoy!


-Frankie

[onkyo]

The only downside of Netflix is they now charge extra for Bluray.....

In NYC the turn around has always been fast.

[diablojota]

I've had incredible service with them. The only problem is that I haven't had time to watch the movies lately with my move and all, so I put my account on hold for a few months. But other than that, I can say I never had a problem.

[Lamone]

I no longer use it as most DVD's were unreadable (scratches, malfunctions).

[Wink]

I have been a 3-at-home Netflix subscriber for several years. I absolutely love it! Excellent selection, fast service, great prices. Everything in the world should work as well as Netflix. Motley Fool says it is among the best managed firms in the country.

Wink

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by Lamone

I no longer use it as most DVD's were unreadable (scratches, malfunctions).

Did you report these? They were typically quite good at pulling movies that were unplayable out of their stock, at least in Florida, and they would send you out a fresh one very quickly if you wanted.

[BigHat]

Joined w/in days of them starting the service. Anyone remember when you could tell them you had put the movie in the mail and they'd mail you the next one? I guess more than a few people were lying about that.

I have a distro center fairly close by. If I put a movie in the mail on a Monday morning, I'll get the next one on Wed.

I'd have to say the only thing that bugs me is damaged Blu_Ray discs. I keep the software up to date on a high quality machine, but every now and then I get a movie that won't play. I know BR discs are more sensitive. I thought for awhile they were going to have to go with a stiffer package, but nothing yet. The streaming service is remarkably good. With a high-speed connection you can get HD or near HD quality (not near Blu_ray). This solves the one Netflix problem -- what you aspire to watch isn't always what you feel like watching. I find I still spend as much a month on Apple TV based movies, but nothing beats Netflix streaming to catch-up on a TV series you discover late like Dexter. LOL
Great article on Netflix in the NYT awhile back. It discussed the troubles couples have with the service. Normally, there is some sort of sharing agreement on what the rentals will be . I recall them saying that spouses were covertly screwing with the queue to get their favorites first, etc. The other issue is the movie that sits for months (always going to be watched "soon") that you just can't bring yourself to return unviewed. I guess you may wish to factor that in to the equation.

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by Lamone

I no longer use it as most DVD's were unreadable (scratches, malfunctions).

I am in NYC so we are getting the same batches of DVD's.

Maybe once or twice was I not able to watch a movie because of scratches (out of 500 or so I have received).

Could it be your player?

[MichDui]

I have tried both Blockbuster and Netflix. Netflix turn around time is just a few days to receive a new movie. Blockbuster seemed a bit longer, even when I returned it at the store. Netflix is cheaper and offers the streaming videos. I love the fact that you can keep a movie for three weeks if I don't have time to watch it or I forget. I have had a couple scratched/dirty discs, but it doesn't seem to be a big problem.

There is a new vending service called Redbox at a few local grocery stores that charges $1 per day. Seems like a cheaper alternative (if you rent one or two a week), but a forgetful soul such as myself may run into a hefty tab sooner or later.