The Australian version of the Internet streaming media service, Netflix, officially entered the Australian market on Tuesday 24th March 2015.

For those who don’t know what Netflix is, (or have been living on another planet), Netflix offer on-demand TV series and movies via Internet streaming. Netflix is offered in over 40 countries and has over 50 million subscribers globally, and it has finally reached our shores. It allows you to browse through categories, view recommendations, what’s popular and new releases. You can stop and start programs whenever you please, and pick up watching something where you left off. You can even also create different profiles for all the people in your household.

Netflix can be watched on a variety of devices. Smart TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, Blu-ray players, Apple TV, Google Chromecast and game consoles to name a few. Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Phillips and Hisense will add the Netflix app to their content. And Netflix doesn’t restrict the number of devices registered to your account.

Netflix has announced that their own exclusive shows, such as the award-winning series Orange is the new Black, will be available to Australia audiences when it is released to the rest of the world. Until now, we have had to wait for each episode on a weekly basis riddled with advertisements, and we could even be seasons behind! Netflix has also acquired a large amount of non-exclusive content such as Doctor WhoAbsolutely Fabulous and The Good Wife.

The Aussie version of Netflix currently has fewer titles than available to the US version. However, we do have several unique titles, due to Netflix gaining access to companies such as the ABC to release their back catalogues. Netflix has stated that the Australian content will grow and improve over time, as they gain access to more and more content.

Netflix released its pricing plans -

-       Entry level, standard definition streamed content at $8.99

-       High definition, streaming to up to two screens at $11.99

-       Highest quality content (4K), streaming to up to four screens at $14.99

Netflix will directly compete with rival streaming services, Stan and Presto, priced at $10 and $9.99 respectively.

The difference between the three major streaming services is the content and their key suppliers. Each has exclusive content and rights to specific production houses, their shows and movies. For example, some of the key suppliers to Netflix are Disney, Warner Bros and BBC Worldwide and their exclusive content includes House of CardsFrozen and Bloodline, just to name a few. Content is continually expanding and growing, and the services also stream and share their rights to each other.

Netflix recommends you allow for approx. 1GB per hour for standard streaming, 3GB for high def or 7GB for ultra high-def. The faster your Internet connection, the better the picture and sound quality, however you would eat through more data per hour. You can alter your settings in your profile to ensure a smooth picture on whatever level of streaming you choose. But you are best to check with your Internet provider to ensure you subscribe to the appropriate plan for you.

We are entering a new era in television – one where we can watch television legally, economically and easily – FINALLY!

For more information on Netflix, or any other Internet streaming service, please contact Connected Living on (03) 9029 4343