The La Times (via Mashable) reports that the pay cable movie channel Epix is discussing a deal with Netflix. If a deal is finalized all movies on Epix will be available for streaming with a Netflix subscription. Netflix and Starz already have a similar deal which allows Nexflix subscribers to stream all Starz material, including their hit series such as: Party Down (before it was canceled), Spartacus and Gravity. The deal with Epix could add films like Iron Man, Star Trek, Saw VI, The Cove, and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
UPDATE: According to The Wrap, Netflix will be paying Epix close to $1 billion over 5 years. The films start streaming on Sept. 1st.
With advancements in file sharing technology the movie industry is at risk of loosing massive amounts of revenue. The music industry has been virtually destroyed by file sharing and movies seem to be the final frontier for nefarious techno outlaws. I believe that the appeal of file sharing is not just the free material, but the instant acquisition of that material. Which is why Netflix streaming is so appealing. With a Netflix subscription one can instantly watch thousands of titles on their computer or television. There are also several options for viewing on your TV. You can view Netflix through your Xbox 360, but only with an Xbox live subscription. You also can view Netflix through your PS3 without having to sign up for a yearly subscription. The third option, if you do not have a video game console, is to purchase a Roku Box. They run around $100 and are capable of streaming HD quality video.
Streaming seems to be gaining popularity and may just be the future for watching movies at home. Unfortunately as of now 1080p HD is too large to stream and the highest resolution one can achieve is 720p. Hopefully in the future Nexflix will add more titles and devise a way to stream full 1080p.
Is streaming the future of home entertainment or is it merely another “on demand” industry misstep?