http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20078765-17/netflix-hikes-prices-adds-dvd-only-plan/

For just $10 a month you used to be able to combine Netflix streaming access along with a basic DVD plan together. But for whatever reason Netflix has gotten rid of that combo deal and now makes people that wants both streaming and DVDs, to pay for separate $8 packages. So what used to cost $10 a month now costs $16 a month.

That's the plan I'm on. But I don't use the DVD service enough to want to continue it if I'm going to have to pay more. Once that pricing plan is in place for existing customers, I'll probably go to streaming only.

 

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I only use streaming now. Been trying the Blockbuster thing for Blurays, since I can get new releases.

There are talks that Netflix's contracts are mostly expiring between now and late 2012, and the content owners want to renegotiate big time. I read one analyst saying along the order of ten times the amount now (which I think is a high estimate, seeing as Netflix doesn't really have that much competition yet). Sony already pulled a lot of their content while their contract is renegotiated.

In any event look for either a flat increase on their streaming-only service, probably a few dollars, and Netflix branching out to make money in other ways.

 

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Greedy pieces of crap, every single one of them.

 

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Well Netflix previously announced they were only paying about $110 million in license fees, and earning a revenue off it many, many times that. So I can understand the wish to negotiate better contracts. But tens times the amount? That's a way to quickly kill a newish medium with momentum. I could big names like Mirimax wanting around ten million. Sony maybe a bit more. But if these analysts are correct, they're wanting to start negotiations at closer to a hundred million, which is just silly.

Edit: pretty sure it was Pacther, or however you spell his name, the same guy that does video game industry trends, that cited the possible growth from a hundred million to slightly over one billion in all. He's always wrong though, so I'm guessing Netflix will end up having to shell out close to five hundred million. An increase of about five fold. They could eat that as is, but I still expect them raise prices on streaming to at least $11.99 in the near future,

 

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This makes me very unhappy. I started out paying under $10. I'm currently at $21.29 (after tax). I've never had a bad thing to say about the service. But passing $20 a month make me uncomfortable. Another price increase will definitely send me looking for other options. I agree that the company appears to be getting greedy. I have always believed that netflix was successful because they kept the MONTHLY fees at a minimal level.

When budgets get tight...people quickly cut unnecessary and reoccurring expenses. I believe it would be much wiser to keep the cost the same or less...even if they had to sacrifice some selection.

 

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This is a crock. I heard Red Box is going to start to have Blue Rays so I will use that for when I want the full Blue Ray experience and just use the streaming on Netflix.

Greedy SOBs, I will have to double check when I'm up for renewal, I am sure it will be "autobilled" the new $16.

 

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and i got the notice today...

For me, they essentially raised the price from 19.99 to 23.98...or $48 more a year. Hardly a 60% increase...but it's significant. 60% would be an instant deal breaker.

edit: and more...

"
Dear ____,

We are separating unlimited DVDs by mail and unlimited streaming into two separate plans to better reflect the costs of each. Now our members have a choice: a streaming only plan, a DVD only plan, or both.

Your current $19.99 a month membership for unlimited streaming and unlimited DVDs will be split into 2 distinct plans:

Plan 1: Unlimited Streaming (no DVDs) for $7.99 a month
Plan 2: Unlimited DVDs, 3 out at-a-time (no streaming) for $15.99 a month

Your price for getting both of these plans will be $23.98 a month ($7.99 + $15.99). You don't need to do anything to continue your memberships for both unlimited streaming and unlimited DVDs.

These prices will start for charges on or after September 1, 2011.

You can easily change or cancel your unlimited streaming plan, unlimited DVD plan, or both, by going to the Plan Change page in Your Account.

We realize you have many choices for home entertainment, and we thank you for your business. As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call us at 1-888-357-1516."

 

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I will drop the streaming only and pick it up couple months in the year to catch up on some shows when they are released to streaming. No point in always keeping the plan active as I am not using it that much.

 

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i'm toying with the idea of dropping the dvd portion and using red box. the streaming is a convenience for me that can't be replaced by another service. i despise driving anywhere for dvd returns...but redbox would be cheaper overall for me. unfortunately...i'd lose a crapton of selection :/

i'll probably just roll back to unlimited streaming and one dvd at a time (which is probably what they are calculating will happen)

 

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