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Netflix introduces cheaper SD-only plan


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Old 30-12-2013, 21:48
BigFoot87
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http://www.adweek.com/news/technolog...w-users-154672

Netflix has cracked down on password sharing this year (the streaming service has a $12-per-month plan if you want to stream on four devices simultaneously), but it looks like there's a new tier to its pricing plan, albeit one available only to new users: you can now sign up for a single-screen standard-def stream for a dollar less than the hi-res, two-device service most users are currently using.

The service's user base has grown by leaps and bounds this year—Netflix passed top-dog pay-TV network HBO in subs with a whopping 40 million domestic subscribers—and it makes sense that the company would seek to expand that base yet further by adding new price points to entice more users.

....The question on the minds of those existing users, of course, is likely, "Hey, can I pay less, too?" Our tipster said that, in conversation with at Netflix customer service rep (who couldn't issue the new rate to an existing user), the rep said by way of apology, "This is just because we want to test it out among a group." So if you want one-stream standard def for a dollar less, you may be able to get it—"[we] will definitely offer it on a wider basis," the rep said.
The cheaper plan is $6.99, which works out to around £4.23, so I guess this SD 1-screen plan would be £4.99 over here, with the existing plan staying at £5.99
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Old 30-12-2013, 22:57
-GONZO-
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Seems hardly worth it just to save £1 a month.
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Old 31-12-2013, 00:26
BigFoot87
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Seems hardly worth it just to save £1 a month.
True, if it was say, £3.99 then that would be a very appealing offer, and it could be for all we know. But state-side, the new plan is only $1 cheaper then the existing plan.

I personally wouldn't deny myself HD just to save £12 per year.
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Old 31-12-2013, 10:48
justjax
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Does seem oddly pointless for the sake of $1. However it would appear to be a round about way of limiting people sharing passwords. If parents sign up for the 'basic' thinking there is no need for 2 streams, then password sharing will become more of an issue as they'll soon stop sharing when they can't watch something because their friends using it. Although if that's really the purpose then the one stream should still be HD.
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Old 31-12-2013, 21:16
wakey
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There is little proof that the cheaper plans are SD only. Its not mentioned in any of the screenshots that has been posted in any of the articles. All it states is its a single user account rather than due user account
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Old 01-01-2014, 00:58
BigFoot87
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There is little proof that the cheaper plans are SD only. Its not mentioned in any of the screenshots that has been posted in any of the articles. All it states is its a single user account rather than due user account
The screenshot for the new plan clearly states "watch on 1 screen at any time in SD only."
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Old 01-01-2014, 11:48
wakey
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The screenshot for the new plan clearly states "watch on 1 screen at any time in SD only."
I hadn't checked the adweek article linked here. I assumed it was one of the other articles that I had read a number of them already but your right it their screenshot does say that. However the other screenshots floating around make no mentioned of SD only. Just the single user stream.

As Netflix admitted its a test only available to certain new users and stated ”Whether we offer any of these tiers generally will depend on the results of the tests” I wonder if perhaps there are a couple of different test cheaper tiers being tested hence the difference in screenshots doing the rounds. Certainly would make sense from a testing POV to have two cheaper tiers as they will be able to see if the lack of HD is a bigger factor in switching to a higher package than the device limit alone. After all if its just the device limit alone then both packages should see an uograde rate around the same but if HD is a driving factor the SD only subscribers should see a higher upgrade rate
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Old 01-01-2014, 14:58
BigFoot87
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I hadn't checked the adweek article linked here. I assumed it was one of the other articles that I had read a number of them already but your right it their screenshot does say that. However the other screenshots floating around make no mentioned of SD only. Just the single user stream.

As Netflix admitted its a test only available to certain new users and stated ”Whether we offer any of these tiers generally will depend on the results of the tests” I wonder if perhaps there are a couple of different test cheaper tiers being tested hence the difference in screenshots doing the rounds. Certainly would make sense from a testing POV to have two cheaper tiers as they will be able to see if the lack of HD is a bigger factor in switching to a higher package than the device limit alone. After all if its just the device limit alone then both packages should see an uograde rate around the same but if HD is a driving factor the SD only subscribers should see a higher upgrade rate
I wonder if they will test the options over here. Its always nice to have options, but HD is becoming the standard format on many streaming and broadcast platforms in the UK and almost everyone here has a HD TV.

I can't see many people going for the proposed SD-only plan unless there's a big enough price difference from the existing plan. But I've been wrong before.
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Old 02-01-2014, 09:53
wakey
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I wonder if they will test the options over here. Its always nice to have options, but HD is becoming the standard format on many streaming and broadcast platforms in the UK and almost everyone here has a HD TV.

I can't see many people going for the proposed SD-only plan unless there's a big enough price difference from the existing plan. But I've been wrong before.
In the US data capped Internet connections are much more common and exceeding the caps is taken much more serious than it is in the UK so I can see an SD only plan being fairly popular.

Also seeing as Sky manage to sell a decent amount of NowTV subs over here without HD it just seems many people aren't bothered.
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Old 02-01-2014, 10:55
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I wonder if they will test the options over here. Its always nice to have options, but HD is becoming the standard format on many streaming and broadcast platforms in the UK and almost everyone here has a HD TV.

I can't see many people going for the proposed SD-only plan unless there's a big enough price difference from the existing plan. But I've been wrong before.
A lot of folk may have a HDTV, but then I suppose not everyone has a HD capable device that they are streaming Netflix from so I can see some would rather not pay extra for something they cannot use even if it is only a £1.
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Old 02-01-2014, 21:00
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Mmmm apparently according to DS it's a difference of 70p at £5.29 in the UK.
http://m.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/...ampaign=twdsuk
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Old 04-01-2014, 21:00
scotorca
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A lot of folk may have a HDTV, but then I suppose not everyone has a HD capable device that they are streaming Netflix from so I can see some would rather not pay extra for something they cannot use even if it is only a £1.
As I only have access via my Wii, therefore only getting SD quality, the £12 per year is better in my pocket don't you think?
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