Category Archives: Cutting the Cord

Netflix Without Starz

Just about the same.  Not a big deal.

Before (2/29/12):

After (3/2/12):

Netflix says “One Stream for You!”

iPod screenshot

Today I was greeted with a new message on my Roku box. While trying to watch an episode of Caprica this morning I was told by said Roku that I was trying to watch Netflix on too many devices.  A quick trip into the family room revealed that the children were watching Kick Buttowski via the built-in Netflix client on the television.

Many months ago I blogged that people were having this happen to them, but I hadn’t had the problem.  Later on I updated that Netflix said that it was a problem and that they were not limiting accounts to one streaming device at a time.

It appears that 1)Netflix has started limiting users to one streaming device or B)There is another problem with the Netflix service.

Have you had this problem with streaming devices?  Let me know in the comments.

UPDATE: Confirmed by Netflix. “If you are on the Unlimited Streaming plan, the Unlimited Streaming + 1 DVD out-at-a-time plan or a limited streaming plan, you may watch only one device at a time.

Netflix has effectively upped their rates again by forcing those that want to stream from more than one device (Roku, Xbox, PS3, Wii, Blu-Ray player, etc.) to get a two DVD + Streaming service for $19.98 a month.  That is a 150% increase! There is currently no option to have a second streaming device without having plastic disks sent to my house to gather dust.

With antagonistic policies like these being implemented, it’s getting harder and harder to be a Netflix apologist. Now that $20 a month is the going rate to watch streaming video on more than one device, it may get easier to find credible alternatives at this price.

Why Your Home Theater is Better Than a Movie Theater

A great presentation on why choosing to stay home and watch a movie on your big screen is a superior experience. I would add in the ability to pause for bathroom breaks.

Why Movie Theaters Suck

Source: http://ustelevision.com

Netflix: It’s an Error

Yesterday I posted about Netflix limiting it’s streaming customers to one streaming show at a time. Apparently though, it was an error rather than a crackdown as previously thought.

While I had suspicions that this was some mix up (I hadn’t had the problem at my home) the fact remains that it didn’t surprise me. I now assume that the Netflix service is going to get worse and worse until it’s no better than the Charter Cable that I cancelled so long ago. Netflix may still have the best service of its kind, but it now has an image problem. It’s the service that raises prices on its customers and limits their viewing options.

It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens with the Starz contract negotiations going forward.

Netflix: We’re not cracking down on simultaneous streams — Online Video News.

Backing the Wrong Horse

If you’ve been a backer of Netflix, you’ve probably backed the wrong horse. One year ago they looked invincible. I was happily getting one DVD at a time, streaming on my two Roku units and loving life. Flash forward to today and I’ve cancelled the DVD service because of the price hike and now I will be limited to one streaming show at time. You heard that right. If the linked article is correct, and I haven’t done my due diligence in this regard, then it’s the beginning of the end.

Netflix was a service that was truly a good deal. I bought into the streaming service early even when there was little to watch. It got better and better and now apparently they think that they’re untouchable. No one has created a credible alternative at this point. I’ve read that a streaming service will be created and marketed under the Blockbuster brand, but haven’t seen the details yet. I’ve taken a look at the other alternatives and they all leave a lot to be desired. So, what does Netflix do? Bilk the consumer out of more and more money. Shame on you Netflix!

I’ve yet to see this one stream limit manifest itself at my home, but the day it does we’re going to have some seriously sad children. While there is no alternative to the Netflix streaming service right, I’m not going to stand by and be given less and less for the same price I’ve been paying. Seriously, this completely stinks of our local cable company taking away my channels at the same time raising my rate. That was the whole reason I cut the cord in the first place.

Netflix Cracks Down on Sharing: One Stream Per Customer Unless You Pay More | Stop the Cap!.