Netflix Hi-Def Streaming

Source: Netflix Blog

Netflix adds yet another service, fast on the heels of their subtitle announcement a couple of weeks ago, with high definition video available for instant streaming on both PC and Mac.

This upgrade includes both episodes of TV shows as well as movies, and is available to those that subscribe at no extra cost. The only catch for this new service is that your computers hardware can handle it along with updated software and sufficient bandwidth. No word yet on if, or when, hi-def videos will be available for instant streaming to other media players such as gaming systems, while that seems to be the next logical step. For those of you that own a Roku box, you have had the capability for some time, it has just been a matter of the content being added for viewing.

Currently Netflix is the only digital rental service with a hi-def option, which is an obvious advantage for them, and while the library of available titles may not yet be extensive it is a solid start.

Now if I can just get my housemates to ease up on the online gaming a bit and I will be able to watch some Deadliest Catch in all of the majesty it deserves.

Netflix Adds Subtitles

Source: The Netflix Blog

If you are anything like me most of your Netflix viewing takes place through online streaming using their “Instant Play” feature. Netflix has just added a new feature to its online streaming: closed captioning.

Promised last year, closed captioning is now available on some streaming TV shows and movies. Right now it is a very limited library of about 100 titles but they now have the technology in place and Neil Hunt, Chief Product Officer a Netflix, promises “we will be working to fill in the library over time.”

There you go; closed captioning has begun to infiltrate Netflix. Just one more feature for an already amazing rental service.

iFlix? There's an App for that!

Source: Netflix

Those of you that went out and got yourself a shiny new iPad are in luck! Netflix has announced that they will make their content available through a Netflix application starting at $8.99 a month but with no extra charges for current Netflix subscribers.

iPad users after downloading the Netflix application will be able to stream content straight to their laps, hands or wherever you are supposed place an iPad. There will be an intuitive touch screen interface that will allow you to make selections from the vast array of movies and shows. The users will have the ability to also create queues just like a regular Netflix subscriber.

This is of course good news for all iPad owners out there, but many of you are probably wondering, “What the hell about my iPhone or iTouch?!” Well as Steve Swasey, Netflix V.P. of Corporate Communications, so eloquently put; “We wouldn't invite you to dinner without planning to serve dessert. In other words, we're working on it so stay tuned.”

Wii would like to watch!

Source: Netflix

Good news for Wii owners, Netflix will be coming your way soon. The service that has been available to both the X-Box and PS3 will now finally available for all three videogame consoles. The Netflix brass assure us that they are in the final phase of getting ready for the launch, and initial feedback was all positive.

So what does this mean? It means the Wii will now be able to stream movies and televison shows straight to their home and all for nothing more than the $8.99 a
month Netflix Unlimited account, an internet connection and a software disc provided by Netflix. Finally; some good news to all of you Wii faithful out there that have been dying to watch The Super Mario Bros Show but didn’t have access to it until now.

Welcome to the Netflix club Wii, better late than never.