Netflix has officially launched in the UK and Ireland, streaming over the internet to smart TVs, game consoles, computers, tablets and smart phones.
A free trial will kick off the service that will then cost £5.99 per month. The Only Way is Essex, Prison Break, and Damages are the TV shows highlighted in a blog post by Neil Hunt, chief product officer, Netflix, who has developed the UK platform. Films include 3:10 to Yuma, Blitz and The English Patient.
A partnership with Facebook will encourage take-up of the free trial. The social networking site will also be used to offer recommendations, based on content that has been consumed by friends.
“We have honed and refined the apps based upon our experience in the Canadian, US, and Latin American markets. The current versions have some cool streaming technology that starts streaming the video instantly and quickly scales up to high definition with surround sound when your broadband connection supports it,” said Hunt.
In recent weeks Netflix has announced UK content agreements with BBC Worldwide, MGM, Lionsgate and Miramax.
Broadband TV Views: Netflix is often positioned as going head to head with Lovefilm, the DVDs by post service now developing electronic delivery under new owners Amazon, and today boasting two million members. There is also the perceived threat of cord cutting to pay-TV providers, but unlike the US, Virgin and Sky are already there with electronic stores and the ability to take content around the home using just the devices being readied by Netflix.
