Downloadable NetFlix?

[SykkBoy]

As movie buffs, let's just agree that Netflix is the greatest thing to happen to us since Phoebe Cates in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. And it's pretty clear that the future of watching movies at home is the internet. So it was only a matter of time really before Netflix introduced a program that would allow subscribers to download movies. That time is now. Hot off the heels of word that Apple is in negotiations to distrubute movies on iTunes comes news that Netflix is planning a set-top box with a web connection that will download movies in user's queue overnight. Netflix VP of original programming Eric Besner revealed the plans on Friday saying that the service would likely follow a similar pricing plan as the current programs available. The movies in the queue would then download overnight instead of being shipped. The box is apparently one of only a few concepts Netflix has to add downloading movies to their service, but those haven't been announced yet. Besner added the box could be available as early as this holiday season. No pricing for the unit itself was announced. Depending on the pricing, I'd say this is a pretty sweet idea but another box added to my entertainment center? I already have my DirecTV/Tivo, Xbox, DVD player, VHS player and laptop hooked up. Do I have any more room?...

http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=11772

Isn't there already a set top box that "downloads" movies...called Pay Per View or On Demand?

This could actually be interesting if it were all of the movies they provide on their site and not just blockbusters or more recent movies...

[Choppa]

interesting

[notabook]

The majority of the world is still in its infancy when it comes to broadband technology, the US included. As it stands right now it's simply not possible to have dvd-quality downloadable service that can realistically deliver imo. To get near-dvd quality (no shitty 700mb rips please lol), your going to have to have around 1.4gb per hour of video (using something at least as good as the H.264 codec!). Also with blu-ray/hd-dvd's, if you intend to cater to people who have and expect the absolute best for their buck, then you are going to have to have even larger downloads (2.75gb per hour of video minimum). I'm not saying it isn't a great idea... VOD over the internet will eventually be the norm and it'll be just as strong as MOD was. I just don't think we're at that point now.

[SykkBoy]

Originally Posted by notabook

The majority of the world is still in its infancy when it comes to broadband technology, the US included. As it stands right now it's simply not possible to have dvd-quality downloadable service that can realistically deliver imo. To get near-dvd quality (no shitty 700mb rips please lol), your going to have to have around 1.4gb per hour of video (using something at least as good as the H.264 codec!). Also with blu-ray/hd-dvd's, if you intend to cater to people who have and expect the absolute best for their buck, then you are going to have to have even larger downloads (2.75gb per hour of video minimum). I'm not saying it isn't a great idea... VOD over the internet will eventually be the norm and it'll be just as strong as MOD was. I just don't think we're at that point now.

Yeah, it wil defintely be interesting to see what comes down the pipeline