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Netflix to End Cable and Blockbuster

By Bryan Hadaway | Published April 14, 2010 | Need me to update this article?
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Find updated article on the situation here.

At this point I think it’s safe to say that Netflix is an unstoppable beast. For as little as $8.99/month you can get something that is far more superior than anything Comcast or Dish has to offer at $50/month and I think it’s very likely to put Blockbuster’s brick and mortar stores out of business, but I think they’ll stay in the game with there online clone of what Netflix has done.

Besides being cheaper, Netflix is available to more people and has a much larger selection of movies and TV shows than probably any of them combined. Besides getting DVD’s in the mail, Netflix is available instantly to your computer, Xbox 360, PS3, and now the Wii. And if you don’t have any of those and are just sporting a TV then you can get a Roku (still need internet) and hook it up directly to your TV.

We’re also seeing a shift with big cable channels like; Showtime and HBO who are getting into the game with Netflix. Through Instant Watch I’ve already watched the entire series of Quantum Leap, Sliders, Weeds (up until the last season available on DVD), The Office (up until the last season available on DVD) and plenty more that I can’t think of and I’m currently working on The Incredible Hulk 70′s TV Show.

It’s not just the very best and most popular films and TV shows that make it to Instant Watch either, there is sooo much more; rare gems, special interest, documentaries and more. Also, Netflix is not riddled with ads and sponsors and there are no late fees/charges even if you’re late on you’re monthly bill, I’ve been late a few times and the reminders couldn’t be nicer or more non-threatening. Netflix is probably the best company I have ever had the privilege and the luxury to be a customer of, other companies take note, Netflix is a company you can learn something from.

So, here’s my prediction; Netflix 2010 makes Cable and Blockbuster Obsolete
(the only remaining chance any of them have is to clone what Netflix is doing, but Netflix has pretty much cornered the market)

So, sick of hearing Netflix this and Netflix that? Well, I challenge you to check it out;

Signup for a Free Netflix Trial

and we’ll see if you don’t think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

UPDATE: New predictions discussed with Patrick McKeown (from AnIdeaDesign.com).

We discussed the possibilities of Netflix partnering with YouTube to stream YouTube videos directly to your TV. Also we discussed further integration with cable channels and the future of Netflix as a cable provider, that instead of just streaming movies/TV from Showtime, HBO etc. that it may run their actual 24/7 schedule, and of course naturally other channels will get into the mix. The big one Patrick mentioned was a deal with MTV to stream music videos and shows.

He also mentioned public access / independent shows, something similar to blip.tv I think. Which already streams to Roku, a big player in bringing Netflix to your TV, so that’s definitely not a stretch. The potential and grow for Netflix is endless, I also see it adapting all the OnDemand type features, workout videos, dating and so on. My big hope is that Netflix buys out GameFly (which is the Netflix equivalent for video games). We’ll see how many of our predictions come true in the coming years…

Thanks for reading, Bryan

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  • Parker

    I really don’t like Netflix any more since the new Blockbuster movie pass has come out. As you all should know by now DISH has bought Blockbuster and as a customer and employee of DISH I’m proud to say they are doing an amazing job. I think that Blockbuster is going to knock Netflix out of the park with their “Stream come true!” You can stream thousands of on demand titles; get movies, TV shows and games through the mail, plus get 20 additional channels from DISH! All that for only $10.00 tell me it isn’t worth it and new customer get the BBMP free for 3 month to a year! So if you want to continue paying more than what you are getting you can stay with Netflix but if you want something affordable and the best (in my opinion) get the BBMP from DISH!

  • http://bryanhadaway.com/ Bryan Hadaway

    Doesn’t that kind of defeat the purpose? You’ll still be paying way too much for cable.

    The point is that cable is quickly becoming out-dated unless they finally deliver on a la carte services.

    I’ve contacted DISH and all the others. My object was simple, I wanted Showtime. On all the cable sites they all have Showtime listed for between $10 – $13 a month.

    I tried my best to order Showtime to no avail, because cable is the same as it’s always been. You are forced into purchasing 150 channels you don’t want just to get the select few that you do want.

    We’re talking about $8 – $15 a month for Netflix which has an insanely large selection vs what, at least $60 a month for a DISH subscription plus $10 to add on Blockbuster?

    The only place I see DISH still being viable is in rural areas where they don’t even get internet. Then the DISH + Blockbuster combo would be the best selection for them.

    Find an updated article I wrote here:

    http://bryanhadaway.com/best-of-online-movie-tv-streaming-services/

    Thanks, Bryan

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