Netflix: HD Streaming "Underwhelming," Expects Wii Success

In this interview, "Netflix bolsters their hopes for success on the Wii platform by downplaying their HD content."

Netflix calls their own HD content streaming "underwhelming," downplaying its presence on other platforms, to emphasize the upcoming Wii service.

[indiemike]

I'm surprised that a big company like Netflix would actually kind of diss their own HD service because they want people to use the Wii service in the Spring.

Anyone else find that kind of odd?

[IanCube]

I totally agree. It seems strange they would ever say a bad thing about their own service.

Netflix loves Nintendo.

[Godmars290]

If you consider that the regular US PS3 and 360 install base combined don't equal the number of Wiis sold so far. If Netflix can get those numbers it'll make what they've had on the 360 for the past year and the PS3 for a few months seem like nothing.

And they'd have all of those people so focused on the streaming service, which is secondary and cheap compared to their mailing service, they'd almost be making free money.

[TheDudeAbides]

i hope one day those douchebags will think of making one, unified pan-european copyright law, so we can get Netflix too, at least faster

[raztad]

That proves to me Netflix is not worthy investment. I' m all for HD movies.

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

Streaming could be big on wii since they cant even watch dvds on it.

Ive watched some instant movies on 360 netflix and Ive only seen 1 that was in HD and it was a documentary about ganja. It was in 720p and it looked good, much better then 480p movies. It isnt very important because they have few hd movies but it is defiantly better if it is available.

Edit-- below- Yes im pretty impressed how well the streaming, especially the streaming 720p, works. Its pretty impressive as it takes like only a 5-10 second buffer. At least for me, Netflix is capable of streaming 720p faster and uninterrupted then all the low quality videos on the Internet.

Silent negotiator- You can watch any streaming movie netflix offers on the 360 if you add it to your instant que on the netflix website.

[darthv72]

that the amount of "HD" content to be streamed is much lower than SD content. Seems only obvious for them to talk up the SD streaming ability. I do say though that even in SD it gets upscaled on a PS3/360 so it still would look better than 480p. Most HD streaming is from TV shows like the office and 30 rock. A few movies here and there but almost all the stuff from starz or older tv shows is SD.

Streaming is nice but I still prefer real HD discs for the movies though. I use it on 360/PS3 for tv shows mostly (like all the LOST seasons currently).

[D4RkNIKON]

I LOVE Netflix HD content on my PS3! It is awesome, I still don't know how it streams so perfectly without downloading. I would never use Netflix on my wii being that I have a choice. I still think it is cool for people who only have the wii.

[SilentNegotiator]

Well,
The one on Xbox doesn't have Sony Pictures content (Which is a LOT of movies) and the one on PS3 requires a disc that most people don't have.

Integrate Netflix on the PS3 and add more content to keep interest up.

[SL1M DADDY]

That somebody else agrees with me when I also say it is underwhelming. Their HD service just plain sucks butt and can never be truly compared to disc based HD content. In no way would I pay a premium for their service but since it is so cheap I keep them. Glad to know that those who agree with me are employed by Netflix.

As for those who might ask about my connection speed, it's 20 meg down.

[ChickeyCantor]

Well in contrast netflix has more SD movies than HD movies.

[NegativeCreepWA]

I just want 5.1 surroundsound.

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

that HD is underwhelming when it comes to movies. Is it sharper? yes! More detail? Yes. Does it significantly add to the experience? No.

However, with Netflix, viewing an HD stream really does make a difference because the compression artifacts aren't as visible. Going to HD from SD on netflix is like going from VHS tapes to DVD. I doubt going much up in quality would matter to most though....

[Anon1974]

Oh wait. I called that.

Many said Netflix on the 360 would be the death of Blu-ray/DVD. Cable companies have been offering video on demand services for years, why would people be content to wait to stream when such instant access services are readily available.

And now Netflix is going to the Wii. I'm sure they'll make a bit off it, but who are we kidding? People still buy media, people still rent and HD people torrent to beat all hell. Netflix's streaming just isn't that big a deal.

[A Cupcake for Gabe]

Nintendo has no bit of HD a all, so even standard is going to look awful. But it's nice to see Netflix expanding out. I can't wait for the iPhone app.

[hazelamy]

well it takes less badndwidth to stream non hd movies and there are more wii users than 360 and ps3 users, not much of a surprise to me.
of course they forget how many of those wiis are owned by people who will only ever play wii sports on it.
could be a case of burning their bridges for netflix.
course none of this affects me in the slightest as we don't get netflix in the uk anyway.

[IanCube]

Do you guys agree with what Netflix said about their HD content offering being "underwhelming"?

I know a ton of folks who haven't a negative thing to say about HD streaming on 360 and PS3.

[Seferoth75]

I don't think you get what they are saying at all. Is HD underwhleming? No. Are the movies they offer in HD underwhleming? Of course. very little of the service is HD. Unless you consider Tinman and Dragonwars in HD something to be excited about you'll have to agree they are right.

[IanCube]

I'd have to disagree with you, it's pretty clear they're talking about HD from a technical standpoint in addition to content.

"PS3 and Xbox users have 1 in 17 titles available in HD, and it's streamed in 720... it's not in 1080, and it's not in 5.1 surround sound or anything."

That's a direct quote.

[Seferoth75]

Thanks for posting something to prove me right. See its what they offer not HD in general. 1 in 17 titles? Nothing to brag about.

[SL1M DADDY]

The evidence as shown in the article would suggest they are talking about both aspects. Content and quality. Both are very lackluster IMHO.

[IanCube]

For anyone who wasn't going to get Netflix on Wii due to lack of HD, does this change your mind?

Certainly seems like Netflix was trying their hand at reassuring folks you're not missing out on much.

[BeaArthur]

If Wii is your only console than you are probably not that concerned with HD anyways. Otherwise you would have a 360 or a PS3 and watch Netflix on their.

[IanCube]

I know plenty of folks around my parents age (50+) who:

1. Purchased a Wii for short, fun games like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, etc. who don't care about video game graphics.

2. Own an HD TV and watch HD cable/movies all the time via DVR/On Demand/Blu-Ray

3. Would love to watch Netflix in HD through Wii

I know for us gamers it seems black and white, but a lot of folks who own the Wii don't care about VIDEO GAME graphics, but when it comes to Movies/TV, know and care about the difference.

[BeaArthur]

No I would not love to watch Netflix on Wii because I have a PS3, 360 and a Samsung BD-1250 so I have plenty of devices that play HD movies. I'm not saying there won't be a single person that cares about HD Netflix on Wii, I'm just saying that for most people that own a Wii are probably indifferent about it. Not too mention only about half of the Netflix movies I stream in HD actually stay in HD for the whole movie anyways (and no it's not my connection).

[IanCube]

Most folks that own a Wii probably don't have another console to stream HD Netflix on.

What else, besides Network Connection, changes the quality of a streaming movie?

[BeaArthur]

I don't know I have never bothered to research it but there are frequent occasions when the video quality will go to crap for 20 minutes and then bounce back up. I don't know what causes it but it happens often enough and on multiple devices. Again, I am not saying that all Wii users don't care about HD, I'm sure there are plenty that would love the feature but the majority probably don't care. I mean what is the Wii demographic? Mostly little kids and old people. But you go ahead and enjoy your HD Wii.

[indiemike]

Most of the problems you're having is likely related to your connection to the internet, not the service itself. I've streamed to my 360 and other devices without a hitch.

Plus, the Wii demographic is much larger than you think. There's a lot of families, which includes males especially age 25-40, that own a Wii. You're not paying extra to stream it to all these devices, it's just another option. And yeah, it has a bunch of things on it that's great for families and kids, so this could be perfect for them.

We're actually talking less about the Wii audience, and more about the Netflix audience. And with a brand that strong, don't be surprised when millions of Wii owners are flocking to Netflix. Young and old people watch movies and TV shows.

And the HD Wii part didn't make any sense to me, sorry.

[BigKev45]

I just want Netflix to add more new movies via streaming. Not some of the B rated stuff that appears on there.

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

It seems that they put 5 bad movies for every decent 1. Its seems its mostly good for alot of different tv shows and documentaries abuot ganja. It obvious why they do it.

If they offered alot of good movies everyone would pay less for the one movie at a time and just stream movies. I think they should work on getting their Entire library(as much as possible) for streaming and then charge a decent amount per month for that.

The more and more they switch to DD the more and more a company like netflix would benefit.

[Rowsdower]

No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain, Kurasowa films, Goonies, Dirty Jobs, SNL, Heros, Ghostbusters, Heat, the Office, Blade Runner, Lost, the original Willy Wonka, mythbusters, deadliest catch, man vs food, brokeback mountain, Host, man vs wild, Primer, raisin in the sun, muppet movies, torchwood, whale wars, jarhead, syriana, mightmare on elm stret, dracula, and many others.

While not up on the newest films there are some great choices on the netflix watch now (xbox 360), and some of those great choices are in HD

[Rowsdower]

my list above is all taken from the HD content on my watch now list on my 360

and I DO enjoy the service

a**holes

[plb]

But 360 is the only system which supports HD right? PS3 is just standard if I'm not mistaken due to MS exclusive deal.

[tetsuhana]

nope.

[Somnipotent]

their selection is what's "underwhelming". if they had more HD offerings perhaps people would watch them. their overall selection is kinda "meh"... i watch a lot of horror, but there's only so many troma movies i can handle.

[indiemike]

Actually, they directly say that not only is the selection underwhelming, but it isn't in full HD or in 5.1 surround sound or anything. It isn't the big "HD experience" that some people would have you believe.

They said it was underwhelming in both ways, for the selection and the technical side of it.

[Alcon Caper]

i freakin use netflix streaming everyday.

[theEnemy]

because some people still loves physical HD media, a.k.a. Blu-Ray.

[Solidus187-SCMilk]

I have a PS3 and streaming movies.

bluray is better quality but there is no such thing as instant blu-ray.

[Gamer7l]

Yes, there are 26 million Wiis in the U.S., but less than 10% of them will likely ever use it for streaming movies. Hell, most Wii owners would never even REALIZE they could stream movies...let alone bother to try it...because they only play Wii sports games on it.

[asdr3wsfas]

Yes, we are all morons who only play wii sports.

Your stat is hilarious, if 10% of 26 million people use it 2.6 million customers can stream from the wii. Obviously 2.6 million customers are enough to wanna keep happy. Make it 5% and it's still 1.3 million. That's a lot of paying customers.

In England they stream the BBC only on the wii. In Japan you get TV programs and can order food on the wii. It might blow your mind to realize most wii owners can set up the internet and follow simple instructions but it's true.

[artsaber]

10% of 26 million is 2.6 million new customers for Netflix. The CHEAPEST 1 DVD plus streaming service is $8.99 a month. 2.6 Million x $8.99 = $23,374,000 a month.

$23,374,000 X 12 months (year) = $280,488,000

Hmmm, and that is if every 10% new member selected the cheapest option only without Bluray option, so this is the least amount of money Netflix would make with only 10% new subscribers. I would diss my HD option too, and downplay its importance, since the meat of your revenue will come from repeat monthly subscribing customers to regular video streaming accounts.

Someone can math check me to see if I am wrong.

Oh and by the way, that 10 percent rule was the main reason why so many shoddy developers flocked to the Wii in attempts to make a quick buck off the massive user pool. If you only sell to 10% of Wii owners, your game is a hit... too bad shovelware flooded the selection and just made the better games THAT much harder to find. It made sense for shady developers, and it definately makes sense for Netflix since the Wii is the only "movie-less" console around. This deal changes that handicap for the Wii... just one more selling point (for a console that doesn't need any).

[aepex]

I connect a laptop to our HDTV to watch Hulu all the time, and I would guess streaming Netflix would be roughly the same quality on Wii.

As long as you don't expect miracles, it's completely watchable. But if you really want HD, go for the full experience and get the Blu-Ray discs instead.

[indiemike]

I look at it this way: if I can get by watching standard-def TV on occasion or watching an older movie that isn't in HD, then this doesn't bother me one bit.

I'm more concerned about buffering issues and framerate problems. I don't want my movies to stop every few seconds, or even minutes, to load.

[artsaber]

This has EVERYTHING to do with Netflix slobbering while looking @ the Wii's install base, since it cannot play DVDs. This allows Netflix to OWN a movie watching MONOPOLY on anyone who wishes to view video content via the Wii. And that is A LOT of folks. Netflix is looking @ the bulk of Wii Owners as all potential new customers... brand new Netflix subscriptions.

Netflix is looking to be the "XBL of Movies" when it comes to Wii video entertainment. Wanna watch a movie on the Wii, you will pay that Netflix subscription fee, no way out or around it.

Don't know how some people are missing the point of this, and the revenue stream this will bring NF. Besides, doesn't the Wii max video Output res stop at 480p? It ain't gonna look too glossy coming out of a Wii anyhow, when compared to a device with a more capable video output.

[Shnazzyone]

I still watch dvds and they look great. That's 480p. Seems to be well worth the 9 bucks a month to me. Not to mention if it takes off on wii then you can expect the limited streaming content of netflix to probably expand by leaps and bounds. It can only be good.

[artsaber]

This supports the whole conclusion why Netflix would downplay HD.

I am more curious as to how they plan on handling a possible mass influx of customers. Wonder if they are ready.

[indiemike]

You make a really strong point. In the interview, they said a few times that they want to be "ubiquitous on all devices."

In other words, Netflix wants to be EVERYWHERE. If you could stream video to your toaster, Netflix would hop on that, too.

The Wii doesn't have direct, viable competition for streaming video, Netflix could corner that market. And the audiences are one in the same. If they could get Nintendo to put the Netflix disc in the console bundle (and just put a label on the box saying "Netflix enabled," Netflix would be raking in probably as much dough as they get from the 360 and PS3 audiences combined.

Which means it's sad that they are going as far as to diss their own HD streaming functions.

[JJFNIGHTS80]

Bring Netflix to the Wii and my Wii and Ps3 will be happily streaming movies.