Netflix vs. Blockbuster

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Netflix vs. Blockbuster

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ComparedForMe.com provides a DVD rental comparison in this section. Which service fits better with your movie rental needs: Netflix or Blockbuster?

Which Services does Netflix Offer?

Netflix offers flat rate rental-by-mail, as well as online streaming to customers. Since Netflix was founded in 1997, it has accumulated over 100,000 movie titles, with 8.2 millions subscribers. In 2007, Netflix announced its billionth DVD delivery. It’s safe to say consumers are keeping them pretty busy on a daily basis!

Netflix Online DVD Rentals

Netflix subscribers pay a monthly flat fee to rent DVDs. The subscriber creates an order list online, which is referred to as their “queue.” The DVDs come in the mail, originating from any of the 50 shipping points Netflix has throughout the country. You can keep the DVDs as long as you want, as long as the number of movies you have at one time doesn’t exceed a certain number. This number varies with the different subscription levels that you have to choose from. To rent a new DVD, all you have to do is mail back a movie, using the same envelope in which Netflix sent it to you. Monthly plans range from $4.99 to $47.99, as each plan offers varied options depending on your preferences.

Does Netflix Offer Online Streaming?

Eligible subscribers have the chance to “Watch Instantly” thanks to Netflix’s streaming online video streaming service. Subscribers can stream recorded television shows and near DVD quality movies directly to their computer. To stay competitive, Netflix recently decided to allow subscribers to stream an unlimited number of programs and movies per month. This “Watch Instantly” service offers over 12,000 movies and recorded television shows. Good news—if you have an X-Box 360, you can stream Netflix movies through your console as well.

Does Netflix have Variety?

Yes. Netflix has become known for its wide selection of movie titles that are often difficult to find in many video stores. They are known for their wide selection of independent films, documentary films, and Japanese anime. On any given day, over 35,000 different movie titles are being shipped to customers. Now that’s variety.

Which Services does Blockbuster Offer?

Seeing the success Netflix experienced, Blockbuster decided to jump on the Online DVD Rental bandwagon in August of 2004. This was great for consumers, as it began a massive price war that brought monthly rates down. Blockbuster certainly made a splash in the online DVD rental world—even the founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings, said that Blockbuster “threw everything but the kitchen sink at us.” It’s safe to say that the presence of Netflix and Blockbuster in this online DVD rental marketplace certainly keeps both companies on their toes.

Blockbuster Online DVD Rentals

In their own words, Blockbuster Total Access “gives you the convenience of renting movies online with the choice of how you return them.” They offer over 90,000 movie titles to choose from, and like Netflix, you can keep your movies as long as you want. If mailing back the DVDs is a hassle, Blockbuster offers you the option to return the DVDs at the nearest Blockbuster store. Again, like Netflix, as soon as you return a single DVD, the next one in your customized queue is sent to you.

Does Blockbuster Offer Online Streaming?

Not yet—however, on January 14, 2009, they did announce they will be partnering with Sonic Solutions to offer streaming video movie rentals not only to computers, but also to other devices including televisions, Blu-Ray players and set top boxes.

Let’s sum it up…..