Netflix VS Blockbuster.After using the Blockbuster on-demand service for over a year, I've switched to Netflix.I honestly can't recommend Blockbuster over Netflix at this point in time. Numerous changes to the blockbuster policies combined with en ever slower delivery of movies via mail have made the decision very easy for me. The one Blockbuster benefit was the switching out of movies in store, but once they modified the policy to where you couldn't swap 3 and your next 3 would be in the mail, they lost me. 3 at a time combined with slow shipping made the service shit. Keep in mind I'm local to Blockbuster's headquarters (Dallas). Digital streaming is very compelling. Netflix's "unlimited" plans include a fantastic depth of TV shows and some movies. For ~$14 i can get just about anything i want to watch, without waiting for it t download or paying for it. That is unbeatable convenience. I also didn't have to buy anything to stream to my TV, thank you Xbox 360. Even with their new partnership with Motorola to create a content delivery network, I don't see how Blockbuster is going to remain a viable company. Their online initiative with the STB was poorly executed and not competitive. Their in store pricing is higher than a Redbox and there are a substantial number of Redbox kiosks vs. the sparse B&M of Blocubkuster make Redbox an extremely easy choice for consumers (keeping in mind if you're looking for an older title, not all blockbuster's carry the movies, so you really don't lose out). You can't beat on-demand content. As CTO at my last company, we approached blockbuster with a Media Server option and low cost STB solution with a custom interface on it. Greed stopped the deal from moving forward. Which is unfortunate. My objective was to create a universal Content Delivery platform that was scalable, extensible, and extend-able. Keep in mind, this was before Boxee picked up their first round of VC and before Macrovision turned into Rovi. Let's not even mention that Roku just picked up another $8M. So, I can officially say, I'm a fan of Netflix. |
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