New Xbox Experience Includes Netflix HD

By Geoff Duncan Updated October 29, 2008

Microsoft is planning to launch its New Xbox Experience November 19, bringing a complete overall to the Xbox 360 gaming console’s Dashboard and adding a swath of new features to the console. Although the update will leave some users out in the cold—like Xbox 360s that lack at least 128 MB of storage—new features will more than make up for it in most gamers’ eyes, including social features, personalized avatars, and a “Live Party” mode. And now, word comes down that Xbox Live Gold members will be able to tap into high-definition streaming video from Netflix—as long as they’re already Netflix streaming subscribers and have the bandwidth to handle the content.

Initially, the service will offer only a limited number of high-definition selections, but more high-definition offerings are expected to become available over time. As with other Netflix streaming services, the high-definition content will only be available to U.S. customers.

Of course, with the news that Netflix plans to start streaming high-definition content to Xbox 360 users, the question becomes when high-def video might become available to users of Netflix’s own Silverlight-based online streaming service, or when consume electronics (like Netflix-capable devices from Roku or LG) might be able to access high-definition content.

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

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How much does Netflix cost? A breakdown of the streamer’s plans

Netflix Who's watching/manage profiles screen.

When it comes to the myriad of streaming options available to us, Netflix still reigns supreme with more than 232 million subscribers as of early 2023. One of the original platforms for web-connected viewing, the streamer is home to thousands of movies, shows, and exclusives. While many of us already count Netflix among their roster of services, there are still some users who may be opting in to their first Netflix membership. Maybe you're checking your options since Netflix implemented its password crackdown or, since the rocketing emergence of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services such as Tubi, Pluto, and The Roku Channel, you're asking yourself what Netflix's pricing looks like lately, especially since launched its $7 per month Standard with ads tier (formerly called Basic with ads) at the end of 2022, and, as of July 19, 2023, Netflix quietly killed its cheapest ad-free tier in the U.S. and the U.K., the $10 per month Basic plan.

So, how much do Netflix plans cost now? Well, that depends on what exactly you need from it. With only three plan options left to choose from now, Netflix's streaming plans run from $7 to $20 per month. Here's a breakdown of Netflix's plan options.

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Netflix kills Basic plan in U.S., U.K. as ads bring in more revenue

Netflix has pared down its subscription options, starting with accounts in the U.S. and U.K. As noted by U.K. site CordBusters, the $10-a-month Basic plan is no more, at least for new subscribers. That option got you the ability to watch ad-free on a single device, limited to 720p resolution.

The move isn't unprecedented — Netflix quietly did the same thing in Canada in June. On its pricing page, Netflix says that the change affects new and returning members. Current subscribers of the Basic plan can keep it "until you change plans or cancel your account."

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Order Samsung’s brand new 98-inch QLED 4K TV and get $2,000 off

The Samsung Q80C placed in a living room on a TV stand.

While regular Prime Day deals are certainly appealing at the moment, we're impressed to see what Samsung is offering as part of Prime Day TV deals season. If you want the ultimate home cinema experience, you can preorder the Samsung 98-inch Q80C QLED TV for $7,000, saving a huge $2,000 off the regular price of $9,000. Now, we're not saying that $7,000 is cheap by any means but if you've been keen to invest in something huge in every sense of the word, this is a great saving. If that sounds like you, take a look at what else we have to say about it.

Why you should buy the Samsung 98-inch Q80C QLED TV
As one of the best TV brands, you're in safe hands with Samsung. The Samsung 98-inch Q80C QLED TV is certainly a vast example of what Samsung has to offer with a 98-inch screen needing a pretty huge living space to serve it justice. It's worth it too. Of course, there's the QLED panel which means you get super vibrant colors across the board. That's further helped by features like the Supersize Picture Enhancer that uses AI to optimize content for the larger screen. AI and 20 neural networks also boost sharpness, deepen blacks, and upscale any non-4K content. There's also Direct Full Arrays technology that controls the amount of lighting across all parts of the screen, even in sunlit rooms.