Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Blockbuster and Netflix Should Offer Cheaper Media Players
Roku's Netflix player was Wired magazine's top gift of 2008, and for good reason. For $100, Netflix subscribers get an easy way to watch thousands of movies on their home TV.
The Netflix player uses RCA cords (The same cords you use for your DVD player) to sync your PC with the TV. That means you don't have to mess around with VGA adaptors and DVI cords.
Not to be outdone by its rival, Blockbuster also created a digital media player. Blockbuster's digital mediapoint has several appealing aspects:
- Progressive playback, rather than streaming video,
- Multiple outlets, including HDMI,two USB ports, Ethernet port, WiFi and an SD slot.
- New movies are available within 30 days of DVD release.
You get the player free if you spend $99 for 25 rentals, but unlike Netflix, you'll eventually pay for play. Rentals cost $1.75 after you view your first 25 titles, but Netflix's plans include unlimited views.
Everbody lovers a device that makes life a little easier, but for every average joe who doesn't know the difference between an AVG cord and a DVI cord, there are savvy consumers who realize they can save hundreds of dollars if they:
- Subscribe to Netflix's cheapest plan.
- Connect one cord from the PC to the TV
- Adjust the display settings in the computer's control panel.
X-Box 360 owners can save even more time by just subscribing to Netflix's service on X-Box Live. I just wonder howif and when the general public will learn about the cheaper option.
Posted By Matt O'Hern at 04:44 PM
Permanent Link: Blockbuster and Netflix Should Offer Cheaper Media Players
| Comments (2)
Subscribe to The MarketingShift Feed