Online Streaming Media Options

As many of you know, Netflix has announced it's latest change in it's pricing structure this week. Several months ago they offered an unlimited streaming program (no DVDs) for $7.99/month, and any extra DVDs that consumer wanted could be rented at $2/DVD. Netflix has now split DVD by mail and instant streaming into two separate plans entirely, instead of bundling them together as in the previously cheaper plans. The new breakdown is as follows:

• Unlimited streaming — $7.99/mo
• Unlimited DVD, one DVD out at a time — $7.99/mo
• Unlimited DVD, two DVDs out at a time — $11.99/mo
• Unlimited streaming and DVD, one DVD out at a time — $15.98/mo

The last bulleted plan was previously bundled together for $9.99/month. The issue that many consumers have raised is that the unlimited streaming offerings are not as vast as the DVD by mail offerings. Unlimited streaming usually has older releases, TV shows, and documentaries, whereas DVD by mail supplemented this with newer releases. It is yet to be seen if Netflix will increase it's selection of instant streaming movies. Existing Netflix accounts will not be grandfathered into the new price changes.

If you are looking to switch companies for media streaming, keep reading.

Hulu Plus is offering a competitive option with Netflix. Let's break it down:

Price-It's the same as the new Netflix unlimited streaming plan, $7.99/month, however the selection Hulu Plus offers is pretty extensive and might be better suited to your needs.

Content-Check out what content is available and right now you can sign up for a free 1 week trial.

Extras: Like Netflix, HD content can also be viewed on multiple streaming devices such as your laptop, the Apple iPad and iPhone, PlayStation® 3, Roku, and TVs and Blu-ray players from Sony, Samsung and Vizio.


In addition, if you are a former Netflix user looking to supplement your unlimited 1 DVD out-at-a-time plan,
Amazon Instant Movies might be a good option as well.

Price-Depends on the media. Many new releases can be rented for $2.99 and streamed to your streaming devices. There is also a deal of the day where a movie can be rented for $0.99. If you are looking to watch TV series, try looking elsewhere since many TV series are $1.99 per episode, and $1.89 an episode if you buy the TV Pass (5% savings). Beware, the TV pass will automatically charge your account when new episodes are released, and you will have to manually cancel it if you wish to discontinue.

Content: 6,000 instant movies and TV shows. Browse the left hand bar on the website for content.

Extras: If you like a movie enough to own it, there are special offers on some discs for only $5 or $6. If you are already an Amazon Prime member, you will get Amazon instant movies included in your $79/year Prime membership which offers free 2 day shipping on most Amazon purchases. Good news: Amazon Prime is offering a 1 month free trial so you can check it out now and make your decision to switch before Netflix enacts it's pricing changes on Sept 1st!