Netflix announced today that it will begin offering online viewing of movies and TV series as a supplement to its DVD rentals. About 1,000 offerings will be available at first, as they roll out the program over the next six months.
Well, this definitely tackles one of my Netflix issues--that I don't like getting my DVDs by mail because I never know ahead of time what I'll be in the mood to watch on any given evening. (This is all connected to "Netflix guilt," which we did a post about a while back.) But with digital rentals, just think: Mood-driven choices and immediate gratification. No need to even leave the house.
Even my main concern with digital rentals--the possibility of technology headaches and hiccups--just might be moot (but I'm not getting my hopes up too much). Here's how the downloading process is described in the CNN Money article about the Netflix announcement:
The company's statement said its online viewing option will not require a lengthy downloading of a large video file. Instead it says it will use real-time playback technology that allows video to be viewed at virtually the same time it is being delivered to a user's computer.
Customers using the service will have to perform a one-time installation of a browser applet that will take less than a minute. Then most subscribers' movie selections will begin playing in their Web browser in as little as 10 to 15 seconds after loading.
Netflix says it realizes this service won't be embraced by mainstream consumers for several years, but the decision-makers there obviously believe it's the time to jump in with both feet if they want to lead the pack. It will be interesting to watch the developments.
