Netflix Testing New Monthly Streaming Options - PC Magazine

Selasa, 31 Desember 2013

Netflix Testing New Monthly Streaming Options - PC Magazine

December 31, 2013 10:01am EST

Netflix is testing two new streaming options to help fill in the gaps between its current viewing plans.

Some new members are being greeted with the option (see below) to spend $7 per month for single-screen access, or $10 each month to share content among three screens—be it a TV, smartphone, or tablet.

"At Netflix we continuously test new things. Not everyone will see this and we may not ever offer it generally," a spokesman told PCMag in an email.

Current subscribers must stick to the two-screen ($8/month) or four-screen ($12/month) arrangements.

Those prices have been in place for more than two years, since the company split its DVD-by-mail and streaming services and began charging $7.99 per month for each, or $15.98 for the package deal. Previously, the unlimited-streaming-plus-one-DVD-at-a-time plan cost $9.99 per month.

Unsurprisingly, the price hike took its toll as 800,000 angry customers dropped their service in 2011.

The backlash has since dissipated and the service regained its good standing, streaming about 5 billion hours of content during the third quarter of 2013.

Now, with some original-programming success under its belt, Netflix is returning its attention to gathering in new customers by testing the modified plans. First reported by Adweek, the additional pricing tiers include a single-screen, standard-definition experience available only to new users.

Netflix did not specifically comment on the definition level of either new plan, though it is likely the three-screen option provides HD viewing, just like its two- and four-screen siblings.

The company has also been testing 4K video streaming, in November posting a handful of short videos intended to demonstrate ultra high-definition capabilities. But while users can watch the Ultra HD videos on any Netflix-enabled gadget, they will only run in true 4K on a 4K device or TV.

Last month, Netflix revamped its user interface for TV sets (available via the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PS4, new Blu-ray players, new Smart TVs, and the Roku 3), intending to make the experience less grid-like and more personal.

Updates include three large, rotating images alongside each movie or TV show description to provide more context on each title.

For more, see PCMag's review of Netflix and the slideshow above. Also check out our picks for the Top 10 Netflix Alternatives.

Netflix Testing Pricing Plans