Link: Netflix to offer online movie viewing
The company’s statement said its online viewing option will not require a lengthy downloading of a large video file. Instead it says it will use real-time playback technology that allows video to be viewed at virtually the same time it is being delivered to a user’s computer. Customers using the service will have to perform a one-time installation of a browser applet that will take less than a minute. Then most subscribers’ movie selections will begin playing in their Web browser in as little as 10 to 15 seconds after loading.
As a Netflix user with a $17.99 per month subscription, I will be eligible to view 18 hours of movies online a month at no extra charge. I’m curious as to what the quality will be on my wireless internet connection at home – the article says DVD quality would require a 3 MB/s connection. Nevertheless, it looks like Netflix has finally responded to Blockbuster’s in-store/online service rolled out a few months ago.
