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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:01 pm Post subject: Netflicks vs Blockbuster on line |
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Is there a forum favorite? Why?
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Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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draganm
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 8990
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not a BB fan but they still carry all the HD titles and they have a better web-site where it's easier to fine new releases. Netflix seemed to deliberately bury them, maybe to shorten wait times? I dumped Netflix because they dropped HD-dvD and i'm glad I did.
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yeme
Joined: 10 Aug 2007
Posts: 46
Location: Sandy Springs, GA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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I've been using BB for over 6 months and their service/selection has been superb. Also, if you live near one of their stores, you can return the online DVD and exchange it for an in-store rental for free (my plan is up to 5/month).
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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I had Netflix, put it on hold the day of the HD DVD announcement, and have never restarted it. F 'em.
I think I'm going to try the Blockbuster online thing. They have a Netflix-style all-by-mail deal just like Netflix w/$1.99 in-store exchanges. They have another plan where you can take it into the store and exchange it free for another movie a couple of times a month... which is handy on a weekend. The online plans are a good deal because in the store, BD's actually cost more to rent than SD DVD's.
https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/s/plan
If you have a store near your house, they also have a 1-out/2-out/3-out unlimited rental thing, but it's all in-store as opposed to online. Might try it this winter, maybe.
SC
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:15 pm Post subject: |
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Basically, they are the same. If you like to support innovation, you support Netflix. If you prefer that large companies crush everyone and become monolithic beasts like Sony, you support BB.
I find it funny that people are mad at Netflix due to HD DVD, but cut BB slack on their "blu-only" approach.
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
Last edited by Person99 on Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:48 pm; edited 1 time in total
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whats6x7
Joined: 04 Oct 2006
Posts: 5924
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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I've got Netflix 4-at-a-time and its great. I really like the instant download feature.
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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Dave, most of us are well aware of the fact that they both crapped on HD DVD - Blockbuster was first in fact. But, that's all water under the bridge now. I just have to look at what's best for me, now. I'd also argue that they're really not the same. It's almost like choosing our next president: I have my choice between "sucks" and "sucks less".
1) Innovation. It's true that Netflix was the innovator, but Netflix doesn't come without its disadvantages, either. How about the well-known controversy over throttling and level of service for some areas and with new releases? There are plenty of accounts - right here on this board in fact - of people waiting for MONTHS for a new release (is it really new anymore when it's 3 months old?). I had several titles waiting at the top of my Netflix queue for at least two months before I suspended the service. WTF? So, Netflix is no "winner" here. Winner: Blockbuster - Because I get cheaper rentals in-store if it doesn't come on-line and because at least it's actually available in the store. Being innovative doesn't mean dick if the service sucks ass.
2) Convenience. Drop it in the mail or return it to a store to have your queue selection go out immediately. Winner: Blockbuster.
3) Price. A couple plans are the same, a couple of cheaper at Blockbuster. Add the fact that you get cheaper or free rentals on returning to the store.. Winner: Blockbuster.
4) Streaming. Winner: Draw. They both have streaming. I wouldn't use either because picture is just OK and sound sucks ass. Fine for the living room TV, though.
For me, Blockbuster is my new choice. Nice local BD selection, plus BD and HD online.
SC
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject: |
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| ecrabb wrote: | | Dave, most of us are well aware of the fact that they both crapped on HD DVD - Blockbuster was first in fact. |
My point was if you read this thread, people said basically, "I'm with BB because Netflix crapped on HD DVD". I mean WTF? How does that make sense?!?!?!? 
| ecrabb wrote: | For me, Blockbuster is my new choice. Nice local BD selection, plus BD and HD online.
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I know. Just don't be bitching about them for being some mega-entertainment end-to-end monstrosity like Sony (which you have bitched about for this) when you help them get there! 
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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loribates
Joined: 02 Dec 2007
Posts: 185
Location: KS
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 12:02 am Post subject: |
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I use Netflix simply because even before I'd decided to go with an online service, I'd quit patronizing blockbuster locally due to bad customer service and ALWAYS getting home with a scratched up DVD that wouldn't play, but they'd get sh*tty with me in the store if I asked them to open up the case and let me look at the disc before they rang it up. Often it may have been the last widescreen on the shelf and if it's scratched, I'm not bringing it home. I'll wait.
I made my mind up a long time ago that blockbuster won't get another dime of my business. I have a constant stream of DVDs in the mail with Netflix (3 at home and unlimited online package). They get mine the day after I return them and the next is mailed the same day and I always get it day after it was mailed. If I report a disc that wouldn't play they send me out another one and I really don't mind waiting on the "new releases" if there is a wait. I always have something here worth watching or I wouldn't have had it in my que. If there is something I just can't wait to see, I'll go rent it at Hastings where they have no problem showing me the condition of the disc before they ring it up, I have from Friday to Tues, even on new releases, and they give me credit if I return it earlier than that.
Maybe it's just our local store, but there are plenty of people here in town that refuse to do business with blockbuster.
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Lori Bates
Last edited by loribates on Thu May 01, 2008 12:06 am; edited 1 time in total
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BRIANJOHNSON
Joined: 19 Apr 2006
Posts: 92
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 12:06 am Post subject: |
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Has anyone tried REDBOX? I have used it lately at the local WALMART, it's only a buck a night but no blu-ray
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:26 am Post subject: |
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netflix is way faster in my neck of the woods. Mail movies on monday morning get them back on wednesday morning. Mail those back on Thursday get new ones on Saturday!
Blockbuster is mail them in on Monday and get new ones on Friday. Slowed down my movie watching a ton!
I canceled netflix out of spite for the hd dvd thing but I am over it. I do like the instant watch feature but i never used it.
will stick with BB until I see a reason to switch back I guess.
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:33 am Post subject: |
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| BRIANJOHNSON wrote: | | Has anyone tried REDBOX? I have used it lately at the local WALMART, it's only a buck a night but no blu-ray |
We pick up a movie from redbox from time to time... Although since we've have both a BD and HD DVD player, that's slowed me down on the SD stuff. Still, it's nice that the redbox is only a couple blocks from home and the rentals are only a dollar. The reserve-ahead online thing is very cool, too. But, no HD...
SC
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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Well, now that Team Blu has bribed and FUDded their way to victory, it is not like BD prices are coming down. BDs costs more than DVDs and it is going to stay that way for a long time. So, how can they not rent for more?
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject: |
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Another story that doesn't bode well for Blu-ray:
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hd_dvd_death_hasnt_helped_blu_ray/
| Quote: | Research firm NPD Group says (via USA Today) that the demise of HD DVD hasn’t really helped Blu-ray sales much.
In fact, the report says that Blu-ray hardware sales dropped 40 percent from January to February, and that includes the sales of the PlayStation 3 console. Sales only grew 2 percent from February to March.
The number of players involved is a mystery. However, Sony says they sold 257,120 PS3s in March, doubling 2007’s numbers.
“When we surveyed consumers late last year, an overwhelming number of them said they weren’t investing in a new next-generation player because their old DVD player worked well and next-generation players were too expensive,” said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis at NPD. “It’s clear from retail sales that those consumer sentiments are still holding true.”
Another contributing factor seems to be that consumers are still waiting for players with web connectivity. This is one of the many reasons that consumers still prefer the PS3 over a stand-alone player. Because of this (and, of course, the gaming aspect), ABI Research says that the number of stand-alone players probably won’t surpass PS3s until 2013.
In February, Toshiba announced that it would abandon the HD DVD format by the end of March. |
Bolding added by me. Gee, I don't think these were the sales growth results that the Blu-ray fan-boys were talking about. Listening to them, the only reason HDM wasn't taking off was because of the format war. Now, it's not taking off because people are waiting for internet connectivity! What reason will they come up with after the internet connectivity is included? Oh, I know - it'll be because of the economy. That story is probably only a few weeks away, actually. That'll explain the April numbers will probably suck worse than the March numbers.
Half the story is complete bull****. People are NOT waiting for internet connectivity, you dumbass! They're waiting for a $%&&^^%%$$$#%^ player that doesn't cost $400!!! How F'ing hard is that to figure out!?!? They're probably also waiting for a player that is either up to current spec, or can be upgraded to current spec. THAT and what you GET FOR YOUR MONEY is why the PS3 has sold well - NOT because of the INTERNET connectivity.
Where do they come up with these guys - these "industry analysts"? Do any of them actually USE these products or read a forum, or are their focus groups their only source of information?!?!
SC
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Person99
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 4899
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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"Industry Analysis" is always dodgy.
It really is as simple as you say SC. They need a <$200 player that does everything it is supposed to and rather quickly and uneventfully.
Of course, they also need to be sitting close than 4x the screen width of a 55" display, but that is another matter. 
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Dave
A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station....
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Person99 wrote: | | Of course, they also need to be sitting close than 4x the screen width of a 55" display, but that is another matter. |
That is definitely a problem. All these plasmas and LCDs - even though they're HD - just don't drive the need for excellent source PQ like front projection does. I was just standing in my living room looking at Cars on the wife's 37" LCD, and it looked damn good - even from 5' away. From ~9' away on the couch, it looked excellent. The LCD is 768p. Even sitting up close to it, I don't think there's enough res there for J6p to justify the cost of any new hardware and software.
At least the FP/HT enthusiast market is big enough now that it should keep BD from turning into to Laserdisc-style videophile niche market... I hope.
SC
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wallace123456
Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 2236
Location: Northwest VA area
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject: Re: Netflicks vs Blockbuster on line |
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| stefuel wrote: | | Is there a forum favorite? Why? |
Netflix, just because I don't like BB. I get anxiety attacks when I go in there as no matter what I want to watch, they ain't got it.
Netflix should buy Red Box and do the same type exchange that BB does. Maybe, just maybe, they could throw some bd content in the Red Boxes.
wallace
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 11:01 am Post subject: |
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I suppose I should also say that the reason for this thread is because I'm mainly interested in renting BD movies. I already have a 300+ SD DVD movie collection. I only have one BD movie to date (Gone Baby Gone) which is a good story, decent sound but the video is wicked grainey. I've got to look into a movie that I don't already have that's a 5-5 on Kals "must have" scale.
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Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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