Competition For Netflix
Netflix was the first big national video rental company to offer movie through the mail. Later, it was also the first to stream movies instantly to members with a computer or a device that allowed the content to play on a television screen. It was also the first to have a specialized iPad app on the tablet’s debut day in April, 2010 –with unlimited instant streaming of it’s library of content for $9.99 per month. But first does not always mean the best, and now that some competition is arriving on the scene, perhaps it is time to look at it more closely.
Amazon.com launched Amazon Instant Video – arguably the most direct competitor to Netflix. Amazon Instant Video works a lot like the Apple App Store, allowing people to purchase streaming video a la cart. It has added the new service to its shipping savings program ,Amazon Prime. Subscribers of that service receive unlimited streaming of some 5,000 titles at no extra charge. This combination is likely to be very popular, but Amazon has a long way to go before it builds up a library that will compete with Netflix.
DirecTV satellite television service now has an app for its subscribers to search for any television show up to 14 days ahead of time and examine programs by channel or date and time. The app gives in depth program information with descriptions, length, and the rating. From the app, people can program their home DVRs to record either single episodes, or entire series. Pay per view movies can be recorded so and are ready to watch at the user’s convenience. The app further permits subscribers record to any DirecTv DVR in their own homes.
Last week, Time Warner Cable released an app for streaming live TV for paying cablevision subscribers. This app is the first to offer live television viewable on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Television networks are not pleased. Time Warner is already faced with Cease and Desist orders from these networks, who believe the app violates their terms of service with the cable company , despite the nature of the app, which only works in a person’s home – in the same manner as a cable box would. Time Warner has yet to comment on this.
Samantha enjoys writing about technology , entertainment, and social networking. She currently writes for www.alliedsatellitetv.com
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