What a year it’s been for video on demand services! It all kicked off on January 9th 2012 when Netflix brought their streaming service to the UK. Powered by Silverlight, yet accessible without any hassles on a Mac or PC (Linux sadly left out in the lurch as always – but maybe one day Netflix will fight the good fight), Netflix UK brought a reasonable selection of film and TV programs to the masses for under £6 a month.
LOVEFiLM Instant subsequently launched soon after, but despite a few additional titles, proved itself to be a bit of a damp squib. HD content was limited, the iOS devices did not support AirPlay, and the main desktop experience was either a tiny window or full screen. It’s cheaper than Netflix, but doesn’t offer the same value IMHO.
BSkyB’s Now TV launched a few months after that, but it was a shambles. The Silverlight stream wouldn’t play on anything I threw at it until I reformatted by Mac. Complete chaos. The content – while fresher than Netflix – still did not hold up for long. Many back titles required additional payment and the iOS app did not support AirPlay. The price demanded was far too high for the experience on offer. I have not revisited the service since October, nor do I intend to ever again.
Blinkbox announced the exclusive availability of HBO shows including Game of Thrones (series 1 AND 2) and Boardwalk Empire – then promptly switched from a working Flash stream to Silverlight which subsequently buggered things up on the desktop. The quality of video offered by the iOS app via AirPlay was found to be incredibly poor.
Out of all the streaming providers, Netflix and ONLY Netflix has remained consistent with the stability of service, the range of content on offer (an eclectic mix of films and television programmes), and the broad range of device support (including a native Apple TV app – but the iOS apps also stream to AirPlay devices too).
Additionally, a Netflix account is also one that roams between different countries – with a single account one can watch content while in the US, Canada and select Latin American countries. All for six quid a month.
And soon Netflix UK will see the arrival of full 1080p streaming (to select ISPs – but BT Infinity IS supported from what the system tells me) and selected 3D content.
Well done Netflix – you’ve earned my sincere respect and gratitude. If it weren’t for you, I’d never have watched the first three series of The Thick of It, the first three series of Arrested Development (with the 4th on it’s way in May), Breaking Bad, and much more besides.
(Salutes the Netflix team)