Posted in August 9, 2010 ¬ 1:43 pmh.Steve 
Android Phone to Get Netflix Watch Instantly
Netflix has confirmed to be working on building an app for the Android phone; it has been confirmed by Netflix and an online job listing. The company has two jobs listing on its website; both postings are for Android developers. One of those job posting is specifically asking for an “Android Video Playback Expert”.
The company is looking for a veteran in apps development with 10 years of experience, someone who has worked previously on an droid app with the same qualities as its postings, with more experience on video streaming apps. It notes that applicants must have expertise in digital rights management experience and other smart-phone application development. It all would imply that they are going to create one of their Watch Instantly apps which they have already done for the IPhone and IPad. These two apps serving as a building ground for the Android Phone app.
There is already an unofficial Netflix app for the Android Phone, but with it being unofficial it does not do a great job. The problems which make it unsuitable include its ability to consume a phone’s battery and its desire to display ads like a maniac. So there is definitely a need by Netflix subscribers to have an official app for their Android phones. Then if it wasn’t complicated enough, a user in a social network site claiming to be an Netflix employee, said that the company was hiring Android apps developers. Yet he was unsure when the company might finish the application and left to the imagination the quality of the app.
At last we come to the conclusion that both Netflix and the Android phone developers want to give their customers the best possible product with both groups being in the tech business. Netflix especially would like its subscribers, with ever changing lives, to have the ability on demand to watch their favorite movies every where they go. The bottom line is that the product is yet to have a release date, meaning we are going to have to wait some time and hope for the best. Then there is the question that comes to mind, is the app worth the wait? Or will it be just another company producing a pointless app for a new smart-phone?
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Posted in July 19, 2010 ¬ 10:47 pmh.Steve
Netflix Expands to Canada
Netflix has announced that their operations will expand to Canada with Watch Instantly capabilities providing streaming movies and TV shows to a country outside the United States for the first time.
This also marks their first attempt to offer streaming-only services to their customer base. International expansion has been talked about before but earlier plans were put on the back burner to allow the company to focus on their core market in the U.S.
Netflix has determined that more and more of their core business is choosing digital streaming instead of disc rental. This made expansion to other markets easier to manage logistically. The company is still faced with the challenge of obtaining licensing agreements for content and programming. With a focus on streaming-only service they will have to spend less time dealing with the complications of running mail distribution centers.
Making this decision also allows Netflix to avoid competing directly with Zip.ca which is the Canadian version of a combination between Redbox and Netflix. At the time of launch, Netflix Canada will be available only in English but there are plans to add French sometime in the future.
The service will be available for PCs as well as Macs and is slated to be compatible with the numerous electronic devices that are currently compatible with Netflix.
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Posted in June 17, 2010 ¬ 1:51 pmh.Steve
A home theater is becoming more common than they used to be. As our entertainment dollars have to stretch people are looking for the same movie theater experience with having to pay for a family to attend the theater once a week. Even those on limited budgets are turning to a home theater. You can create the desired environment without spending a fortune. It simply takes bargain hunting and creativity.
The homeowner with a basement has the beginnings of their home theater. Basements make good solutions because the concrete walls offer soundproofing. You can save a lot of money by utilizing the basement area by not having to pay to sound proof the walls. One thing to consider is if the basement is suitable for finishing. A basement that often floods is not a wise choice. There also has to be the ability to put in wiring for all the electronics that will need to be utilized in creating the theater. The basement must have easy access in order to make if functional to use and to be able to get the electronics down there.
Ambiance is everything. Even with a small space and limited budget the room needs to look like a normal theater. Consider lighting options. It is best to avoid bright overhead lighting. You do need enough light to be able to maneuver through the room and get the electronics set up. A pendant light with a dimmer switch works well when hung over the electronic equipment. Consider a pendant light with dimmer switch over the operator’s chair as well. LED lights in the ceiling or around the screen can offer appropriate mood lighting. Utilizing rope lighting around the edges of the room will put off soft diffuse light – put the ropes on the floor so that the light does not interfere with the screen. Tiered seating is easily achieved by using wood to create the tiers. You can also elevate the individual seats versus putting in tiers. When using this option the elevated boxes need to be very wide and extend beyond the seat for easy access. Seats should be comfortable with cup holders, recliners work better than any other option. Add some velvet drapes on all the walls and you have your theater look. Be frugal and shop around. Velvet drapes can often be found on sale and at discount outlets. Recliners can be found in furniture clearance sales or used furniture stores.
There is so much available on the internet that this is an excellent place to start looking for your supplies. Places like online auctions can offer significant savings on a large variety of items. Search engines can help identify vendors and comparison shopping tools can tell you who sells it the cheapest. It is important to understand what you are buying and who you are buying it from. Always read return policies, guarantees and warranties thoroughly. The vendor should have a physical address and customer service number. Check out the BBB for any complaints on the vendor. Use a credit card that offers some protection against fraudulent sellers.
Do not forget to look locally. The local paper classifieds is a great place to start looking. This way you get to go check out the items before you purchase them. Craig’s list will also provide a number of local options for you to search through. Both of these options afford you the unique opportunity to preview items to determine their condition and to bargain over the price.
Outlet stores are a convenient place to save money. Depending on how much you are buying it may be worth it to make a short trip to get to an outlet. Keep a written list of what you need to keep from overbuying. Do not buy with the intention of making it work. That strategy rarely works out.
You can see that it is possible to have your home theater even without a huge budget. The majority of money needs to go into the electronics. The decor created can be perfect yet budget friendly with a little ingenuity and patience.
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Posted in June 8, 2010 ¬ 5:08 pmh.Steve
Netflix Watch Instantly on the iPhone
Netflix is preparing to demonstrate Watch Instantly on the iPhone after an announcement at the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference this week. Just simply download the free app and being to watch Netflix content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The app first became available in the iTunes store for the iPad on the day the iPad was launched back in April. Now with the release of the iPhone 4, Netflix is ready to provide the same functionality on the new device.
Developer’s have been expecting this new app for some time on the iPhone because Netflix had a series of surveys asking about the commercial viability of such an app earlier this year and last year. Plus the iPad and the iPhone are similar platforms so porting software apps from one device to the other is not a large leap in development.
The first rumors of this new iPhone app come almost a year ago with the Nintendo Wii being part of the rumor. Well the Nintendo gaming system was first of the rumored devices to be compatible with Netflix Watch Instantly. Like the Nintendo WII, the iPhone app will have search capabilities and the ability to watch a portion of a movie or a television show on one device, and then pick up the rest of the content on another device entirely.
The streaming content will also adapt to different bandwidths to provide a smooth and clear presentation. 3G users can watch a more elaborate version of the streaming content provided they have the bandwidth available. At the same time this new Netflix app is being released, AT&T is now limited data plans to either 200MB or 2GB a month. These new limits could hamper the overall use of Netflix Watch Instantly on the iPhone.
Watch Instantly plans from Netflix begin at $8.99.
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