In light of price hikes… If not Netflix, then who?
Cable
Not all of us are or will become cord cutters. Cable and satellite services may not be inexpensive, yet they continue to deliver a ton of value. And while my bill is inscrutable, so I’m not quite sure how much I actually pay for various features, I have zero intention of canceling Verizon.
Beyond the obvious live channel lineup, these premium content providers bundle a variety of ever expanding on demand streaming video. Through our set-top boxes themselves, we have access to a variety of “on demand” programming — something my in-laws and their children find priceless. Even more compelling is burgeoning mobile access, with apps from Cablevision, Time Warner, and Comcast in addition to web access from the likes of Verizon (shown above). And there’s the compelling HBO GO and ESPN3 offerings. Or DISH Network’s integrated Slingbox placeshifting solutions.
Hulu Plus
Oh, Hulu, how I’ve loved to hate you over the years. However, given their improving video catalog, performance and reliability (that exceed Netflix streaming in my experience), new platforms, and nice interface, I’m a believer. And a Hulu Plus subscriber. I’m usually one of the first to balk at advertisements, yet the interruptions are short and infrequent. For now. Not to mention many movies are presented ad-free.
Crackle
Not enough folks are talking about Crackle. So, even though the content is ad-supported and low def, this free service featuring Sony movies and television shows is available on a number of platforms (like Roku and iPhone) and worth a shout out. Seriously, go take a look.
Video On Demand
Netflix has made it clear they have no intentions of getting into pay per view (yet), and I’ve always augmented their largely back catalog or low def streaming offerings with higher def video on demand. Of course, one can get similar content through their cable provider. However, I find Verizon VOD interface and pricing unfavorable and gravitate towards the TiVo, Roku, or Apple TV for video rentals. Amazon Video On Demand and iTunes are generally my go to services, although I’ll periodically rent from Vudu. Not to mention, both the PS3 and Xbox 360 gaming platforms offer HD video rental services. Granted, this may not be a reasonable option for the price sensitive. But I’m fine underwriting the instant gratification that comes via a couple of $4 – $6 movies a month or funding the occasional television season that I may have missed.
Amazon Prime
Speaking of Amazon, they recently launched an instant streaming service for Prime subscribers. Previously, an Amazon Prime membership netted you free 2-day shipping and discounted overnight shipping for a flat $79/year. But, now, the program has been expanded to include streaming of thousands of commercial-free movies and television shows – some available in HD. My annual Prime membership lapsed just a few weeks ago, but I’ll consider renewing once/if Amazon offers an iPhone app and updates the TiVo app to support streaming.