Amazon Video On Demand (Amazon Instant Video) VS. Netflix Watch Instantly

Technological competition usually means better quality for the consumer, and while video on demand service through business such as Netflix and Amazon are summoning an end to many popular video rental stores, their advances are making home entertainment more affordable, and in greater quality. When economic woes are at a high, it's nice to have affordable means for providing at home enjoyment to our families.

The following hub will highlight some of the differences between the two companies' on demand video services, along with providing some ways of utilizing these sources of entertainment in your home.

Netflix: An Overview

Netflix is primarily a dvd rental company, with "watch instantly" selections available through all but the most basic subscription. While the one dvd at a time plan with limited watch instantly hours is frugal at $4.99/month, the limit of 2 rentals per month makes this plan very restrictive. At $7.99/month, the "watch instantly" provision is unlimited, as are the number of rentals per month. Much of the reason for the certain demise of the video store, the cost effectiveness of unlimited instant movies alone is worthwhile. Additional movies delivered at a time to the house means greater cost, but is a nice way of varying the entertainment options in the house. Further, the unlimited time to return a movie means that it can be watched at leisure. The combination of dvd's and instant watch options makes it a great value for a family with varied interests.

Netflix has an amazing library of dvd movies and programs available for delivery, with an outstanding organizational system for putting your dvd's of interest in order for delivery, and even for saving future releases in your queue. Television programming is extensively available, as well as films that may seem off the beaten track. My first rental through Netflix was a favorite television movie from the early 80's.

Netflix does not make all of its offerings available for on demand viewing. There is an apparent rotation of some popular selections, but there will be limitations as to what you can stream to your television or computer instantly. There are Netflix enabled devices, and even Wii now has the capability of receiving Netflix on demand video with the proper disc. However, these selections are limited. Nevertheless, Netflix delivery is very efficient, making the instant viewing a complement to a primarily dvd based service. Further, Netflix has outstanding customer relations with regard to timing of delivery. On many occasions, my next selection has been coming from a far away center, and in the interim, an additional dvd from my queue has been delivered to accomodate the delay, with no requirement to return any more quickly than usual.

Video On Demand/Instant Watch

Amazon on demand viewing is strictly that: Video on Demand. There is no delivery, no dvd's to return. There are movie and television programming options for purchase, as well as for rent. The rental costs are comparable with video store prices, and the time limit for watching a rental is 48 hours. Amazon has on demand televisions and devices available, making it possible to stream to a television, rather than being restricted to computer viewing.

The videos for purchase are comparable to dvd costs, and so the primary advantage of purchasing on demand is having the media immediately delivered for electronic viewing, whereas dvd purchase allows for the movie to be stored and used in various venues within your home. Again, with on demand compatible televisions and devices, this is becoming a more desirable option.

Rentals change periodically, with current and favorite selections available. Prices are comparable to those of on demand and pay-per-view selections on popular satellite networks. As with Netflix, there are limitations in the selections made available. However, it seems that the rentals include a number of popular options that I haven't seen available as instant viewing selections. Furthermore, rental options are more current in terms of recent releases, whereas new releases do not tend to be available as instant viewing options with Netflix.

Amazon has recently rolled out free instant streaming, through it's VOD service, of more than 5,000 select movies and television shows for paid subscribers to Prime Shipping. This benefit does not extend to those individuals who have Prime shipping as a free trial, or as a free perk through Amazon Mom or Amazon Student programs. Further, premium shows and movies must still be paid for if they are to be instantly viewed.

Many wonder if Amazon's video streaming can be viewed via WII, and while it's not directly possible with Wii Software, nor with the Amazon site, when navigated to by internet browsing on WII, there is a service called Play On, which provides a PC download that supposedly enables the ability. It should be noted that the Play On service allows for a 2 week free trial, followed by a first year cost of 39.99, and 19.99 per year charge each subsequent year of use, or a lifetime subscription to the service for 79.99. Compared to the cost of an inexpensive ROKU, this service may not be the best investment for all individuals. You can read more about Play On here.

Different Uses

Both services have benefits that can augment your household entertainment and viewing needs. To their credit, developers of on demand devices have created options that are compatible with both services. The Roku, for example, is an inexpensive device that enables streaming of both Netflix and Amazon movies to a television in the household.