News: Instant Watching Selection Continues to Shrink!

[pinkadot89]

The hits continue to come for beleaguered online video provider Netflix, which, amidst unpopular price hikes, is now losing the support of cable network Starz Entertainment, its leading supplier of new and recently released movies. As a result, the streaming digital TV and film service will soon be deprived of top shows like Party Down and Spartacus: Blood and Sand, plus new movies from Sony Pictures and Walt Disney Studios.

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Comments

[jumpuphigh]

I assumed the splitting of subscription services was the beginning of the death of Netflix but now I'm wondering if we are seeing the beginning of the death of Starz as well. If they aren't flexible enough to adapt to the change in how people are viewing media, I don't know how they will survive.

[majoline]

Considering how much trouble we've been having to get to see even basic cable with Comcast, let alone the streaming replay stuff, I wonder if it's just a bad time in general in tv land.

I hope Netflix survives just because I'd hate for shows to disappear altogether or for the large cable companies to continue to screw people.

[jumpuphigh]

I think it is bad all over. You've got people cancelling their cable due to financial concerns plus a new generation of people not even signing up because they can get their fix elsewhere. Companies aren't willing or able to adapt and instead are just pushing themselves into extinction. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this.

[majoline]

I agree! I'm also keeping my netflix subscription ♥

[pinkadot89]

I do agree that it's a bad move for Starz. I don't think they'll gain many new customers through cable, but I'm sure plenty of people watch their shows and movies on Netflix, myself included.

However, my mom will be cancelling our instant streaming subscription this month, since too many titles are disappearing lately. We still have Starz and other premium channels through Direct TV, so I'll just start watching movies on TV again. Not a huge deal, just less convenient. But we do get to enjoy HBOgo, which is actually what I've been using lately anyway.

[lycomingst]

I'd say only about 2% of my queue in available for streaming since I'm interested mostly in older movies and indies. I'm keeping streaming only because I can watch Buffy episodes while I'm alone at work.

I think Netflix will have reassess their marketing plan, that is if they have any sense.

[iosonochesono]

I'm not going to run out and get a TV/cable service just because STARZ or Netflix services change, so hopefully someone gets this stuff sorted out.

If selection gets poor enough I'll probably be cancelling the Netflix subscription I have myself. Nothing personal, just right now I can't ever seem to find what I want on Instant watch. DVDs are a bit better, except I'm not going for DVDs. If I wanted to watch a DVD I'd go out and rent or buy one - chances are I want to see it the same day, not when it comes in the mail (however soon).