Netflix mulling support for multiple streams?

By Geoff Duncan April 19, 2011

Netflix has successfully leveraged its position as the leader in the DVD rental market to the leader of the video streaming market—but the company is still looking for ways to expand its share—and its revenues. Right now on the “streaming-only” plan, Netflix famously limits one streaming selection to a subscriber account at a time: if you’re watching a TV show via Netflix on your iPad, you can’t use the Wii in the basement to connect to the same Netflix account and access another selection via online streaming, for example. Users could pay more and upgrade their service–if you change to the “two-discs at a time” plan which includes streaming, you will get two streams, “three at a time gets you three streams”, etc.–but if you prefer the $7.99 a month for a streaming-only account, the upgraded account options can get expensive fast. Unless household members are constantly fighting over the Netflix stream the way previous generations used to fight over remote controls, it may not be a worthwhile extra expenditure.

netflix-streaming-1

Now, however, there are hints that Netflix might be looking to change that—for a fee, of course. In a Q&A document posted to Netflix’s investor Web site, Netflix notes that it might be more appropriate for it to change its subscription plans from a one-subscription-per-household model to a one-subscription-per-individual model. That would enable individual household members to manage their own queues and ratings (although Netflix already supports a form of multiple identities per account for ratings purposes) and avoid stream-contention issues. However, another option Netflix is considering is analogous to a premium DVD rental plan: where premium customers can pay more to rent a larger number of DVDs at the same time, maybe they can pay more to receive a larger number of streams at the same time.

Recommended Videos

Netflix also indicates it is working on broader integration with Facebook, presumably to make it easier for users to recommend and share show and movie recommendations with friends.

[This article has been updated to clarify Netflix’s multiple pricing options]

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

Does ExpressVPN Work with Netflix?

A TV with the Netflix streaming service on screen.

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services around thanks to offering good speeds and effective privacy, all at a great price. One of its best features is its ability to allow you to dodge georestrictions when browsing online or using streaming services. That means you can 'move' locations accessing the content of other localized versions of services like Netflix without ever leaving your home. ExpressVPN works fairly well with Netflix, so we've taken a look at what you need to know.

Of course, if you're already confused, it's a good idea to learn all about what a VPN is. It's a tool that effectively creates a tunnel between you and the internet you're accessing. By doing so, the data you transmit is far more securely protected but it also means that you can circumvent geoblocks. These geoblocks mean that -- for instance -- if you're in the United States, you can only access the U.S. side of Netflix without being able to view another country's selection.

Computing

The best lighting for webcam streaming 2022

how to improve video call quality young woman vlogging at home

With the world increasingly switching to remote and hybrid work environments, looking your best is no longer just about finding the right outfit. Whether you’re working from home and joining a video conference call or you’re a gamer or creative looking to stream to a bigger social audience, finding the best lighting will make a big difference in helping you to present your best self. When paired with the right webcam, having better lighting can go a long way to elevate your look. Here are some of our top picks for the best lighting.

Computing

Elgato’s Stream Deck Pedal helps your feet be productive

elgato stream deck pdeal g7wbbc8ckvzgle6mcmcmfc 1024 80 jpg

Productivity usually involves using your hands, but accessory maker Elgato has a new way to help you use your feet to get more work done.

Just launched is the Stream Deck Pedal, a tactile foot controller with three hit zones that can be customized for various functions in apps and games.