Initially offered to new customers, Netflix has started providing select, existing subscribers unlimited online viewing. I’m not sure this would be economically viable for Netflix in the long-term… However, I can’t imagine them rescinding the feature once received. Also notable, Netflix’s online library now exceeds “6000 familiar movies and TV episodes.”
Possibly related, on December 19th, Blockbuster applied for a Blockbuster Media Minutes trademark:
CONSUMER LOYALTY INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR COMMERCIAL, PROMOTIONAL AND/OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WHERE PARTICIPANTS ACCUMULATE VALUE FROM PURCHASES WHICH CAN BE REDEEMED FOR MERCHANDISE, DISCOUNTS OR CASH PRIZES.
While the description itself doesn’t seem noteworthy, the name seems to describe the innovative method that Netflix utilizes for metered streaming: For every dollar spent per month on a Netflix subscription, that many hours are available for online viewing. Perhaps Blockbuster intends to go down a similar path, leveraging their recently acquired Movielink assets. Or, perhaps it really is just a boring loyalty program.
