Netflix back on track for 2006 online downloads

We have a pretty good idea why it's taking Netflix so long to put the net flicks in, um, Netflix, but it's good to hear they're still working toward internet distributed content. According to a BusinessWeek profile of the company, despite the fact that 'flix boss Reed Hastings "doesn't buy the idea that Web movie downloads will wipe Netflix out," they'll still be launching downloadable content by year's end. We all know their limitations are more Hollywood-political than technical by this point -- this is 2006, remember? -- which is why we're hoping that with their own entertainment group buying exclusive rights to movies left and right, even if they can't sway the studios like CinemaNow or MovieLink, they'll still be able to play the game. Now the real question is will it be fair and flexible DRM, or will it be the typical ridiculous, arcane walled-garden experience we're seeing now? well, with any luck we'll be finding out in 2006.

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

[ECM @ May 27th 2006 11:14AM]

As this is '06, I'm going with "arcane walled-garden experience."

[Pedro @ May 27th 2006 11:19AM]

FYI, the source link is bugged;
http://Netflix To Launch Web Downloads This Year
isn't a vild URL, at least it wasn't last time I checked :p.

The correct URL should be
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-05/netflix-to-launch-web-downloads-this-year/

[Jody @ May 27th 2006 3:40PM]

Will it be mac compatible? I really want a legal mac download rental service. If there's already one, someone please tell me!

-Jody-

[Ben @ May 27th 2006 5:17PM]

I think if they are concerned about big movie houses getting upset they should start with Indie films first (like they plan on doing) and then move into TV shows when the Indie films work, and then move into the bigger films. (Personally TV shows is what I mainly use Netflix for anyways, I can always hop down to the local B&M store to grab the newest blockbust vid, but they don't have the great TV show selection (grew up with out TV, I've got catching up to do) that Netflix has. Yes, I'll download content. I'd even buy a Tivo to make it happen!

~Ben

[Bryan @ May 27th 2006 9:01PM]

I use Netflix and for better or worse, have used iTunes Music Store for TV shows. Of course iTMS is sized out for iPod and arguably you could watch it on your desktop (since it is a clear image and sharp). I like how my Netflix can be played on everything that is DVD-compatible. Through a recent experience of re-ripping 100 CD's and noticing how they get scatched and useless plus that I've gotten 3-4 bad Netflix, I'd say I don't prefer physical media but for now, quality wise it's a clear winner. Downloading a TV episode from Apple that is 45 minutes long takes a bit. Downloading a real good rip of a 2 hour movie is not going to be very quick but if someone rents them out and they're not unreasonably downsampled, Netflix or Apple or whoever, I'd try it. But Netflix has a good selection already.

[iDZ @ May 27th 2006 10:54PM]

slow downloads would still be faster than waiting on the post office. on the average for me it's 4 days between mailing a movie in and receiving my next one. i can download a lot of video in 4 days. and the internet won't be closed on sundays.

[Matt E. @ May 28th 2006 1:39AM]

#3 LOL!

[Matt @ May 28th 2006 11:51AM]

With Movie downloads if your avarge speed is above 220KBs you can watch a 1.5 Gig Stanard def movie within 30 seconds if the service supports progressive streaming .