A Summary of Blockbuster and Netflix's Changes

Netflix has been changing pretty rapidly recently.  They first announced their price changes which caused for complaint and cancellation of subscriptions.  Then they announced Qwikster on the 18th, which will from now on be what Netflix's DVD-by-mail feature used to be, plus the option for video games by mail for an extra fee.  Netflix's website will continue its' online streaming, but that's it. The two websites will be completely separated, different bills, different prices, etc.  They also announced their integration with Facebook for Canada and Latin America.  It all seems to be a down spin for Netflix, and judging by what the CEO has written on the Netflix blog, they are confused on what to do.

Dish on the other hand is driving Blockbuster the opposite way; they are adopting what Netflix used to be - DVD's through mail and online streaming.  Blockbuster Online will continue it's DVD-by-Mail service, which I am a fan of, and Dish customers will have the chance of purchasing a Movie Pass monthly for $10, which entitles them to Blockbusters online streaming media.  This feature will soon be available to everyone.  Dish needs to make Blockbuster the online service that also has convenient stores, available to everyone.  That is the only way they are going to succeed.

If you are looking for an answer to what media subscription you should get, I do not quite have an answer. I have always been a fan of Blockbuster Online for it's combination of new movies and video games through mail.  If that is all you want, then try out Blockbuster.  If you want online streaming only, don't wait for Blockbuster, Netflix is the way to go because you know you will get fairly good service, and you will probably have better luck playing videos on other devices besides the computer.  If you want it all I say Blockbuster Online with Netflix's online streaming plan.  Netflix has been tying me down with their DVD-by-Mail and online streaming combo.  This Qwikster idea gives me the chance to go with Blockbuster for DVDs and Netflix for online streaming.

TechWilling