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Netflix’s metamorphosis from a DVD-only service to a streaming provider seems to be picking up speed, and company CEO Reed Hastings is not mincing words when it comes to his vision for the company’s future. Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Hastings called Netflix’s transition towards a cable channel-like service a “natural direction.”

Because pay-TV channels have grown increasingly reluctant to share rights to their shows, Hastings said that Netflix has been guided down a path of making exclusive deals with content creators at cable TV prices, as well as creating content of its own.

Hastings called it a “moment of truth” when a Netflix subscriber chooses between a cable TV channel and Netflix streaming content. The company is moving ever further into the territory of HBO, which creates nearly half of its own content and licenses the rest.

How long do you think it will take Netflix to end up in this “natural direction?” Will consumers have the patience to put up with a so-so streaming content offering until then?

[via The Hollywood Reporter]

10 Responses to “Netflix’s Hastings: We’re Looking More Like a Cable Channel”

  1. Visitor [Join Now]
    tinybrat [visitor]

    Netflix = a cable channel? Yes, thats what I would agree with. Cable channels suck these days. I have digital cable with 135 channels and there is NEVER anything on. I also have netflix, and yes, just like a cable channel, there is never anything good to choose from. I think netflix should raise their prices and maybe put a bunch of commercials in their shows too. Then they’d be JUST LIKE the cable channels!! Oooh I can hardly wait for “Dancing with the Netflix stars”!! That would be a great show… Or Netflix Idol??

  2. Visitor [Join Now]
    tinybrat [visitor]

    oh by the way, if either of those two shows happen to become reality, I retain all rights to ownership and revenue generated :-)

  3. Visitor [Join Now]
    Kareem Karnas [visitor]

    Most I can state is, I’m unsure what to essentially say! Other than undoubtedly, for the superb guidelines that take place being shared using this site. I’m equipped to think of a thousand fun tips on how to read through the material on this site. I’m positive I’ll ultimately take a action utilizing your suggestions on places I could in no way are able to take care of by yourself. That you are so very careful to allow me to be one in every of all those to profit out of your beneficial info. Remember to see how an incredible offer I recognize it.

  4. Visitor [Join Now]
    guessnot [visitor]

    Kareem – what the hell was that??! Either I’m high and have no idea what you said, or you’re high and have no idea what you typed.

  5. Visitor [Join Now]
    DanoFive0 [visitor]

    I will hang with NetFlix Online for now. The price is ok.I see Starzs pulled out. Greed, Greed. No big thing. 98% of thestuff I wants is Old Stuff.And NetFlix Online has a ton of ot. About 98% of the new stuff is crap.
    And I still have my Block Buster 2 out at a time. No big EE
    I got all I need….

  6. Visitor [Join Now]
    Eliz [visitor]

    Kareem lay off the speed and meth and then try again.

  7. Visitor [Join Now]
    ChristCrusader [visitor]

    Redbox has all the shows I love… BSG, Psych, Monk, Star Trek TOS & TNG, Law & Order, basically all the classic good shows on demand. It’s the lineup of shows that’s perfect for me on demand, no schedule to worry about. I don’t see how network TV can survive from here on! TV on demand is finally here! Thanks Netflix! Add in an easy, affordable trip to Redbox for the latest movies, and all is good!

  8. Member [Join Now]
    dkwilley

    I use Netflix for older stuff and plenty of movies I like on demand, Hulu Plus for current TV on demand so I don’t have to pay twice as much to use a TiVO, my local library for free new movies, and Redbox or BB Express when the queue at the library is too long and I just can’t wait (rare) – all in all, paying for FIOS internet and netflix/hulu is a TON cheaper than cable, and the only thing I don’t get to watch as it comes out are Psych and Eureka (and I can watch them on Hulu on my computer, just not on the TV), so I wait till the next season and get them from the library….

  9. Member [Join Now]
    shbrnbjb5794

    Netflix is the best thing going for sure! I like the huge variety to chose from and TV shows as well. It will probably not last long because like all other things good someone higher up decides to change things and make them “better” and usually ruins it. I say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. And Netflix is GREAT!

  10. Visitor [Join Now]
    beachgal [visitor]

    I am fine with streaming Netflix. I don’t think they have their capitol together to start a cable channel. There are too many cable channels out there now that to get them my cable company charges extra. I live in an area with zero TV reception unless you subscribe to cable. WE, OWN, REELZ Channel and others are barely making it. Heck, even the 3 major channels are having trouble putting in total programming and have fallen to repeating programming during the week it originally aired. Cable TV is not a good market esp with $ as tight as it is now. I would NOT give my cable company another dime for anything. It’ already hwy robbery at more than $100/mo for me to have 2 of their digital boxes, expanded basic that just gives me what most see in larger cities for free (CNN, FX, MTV – anything really over channel 13). I am sad that STARZ pulled out of streaming. But maybe that will push Netflix to pulling out more of their on DVD only crop and put it into streaming. They have some great older movies that have no business not being always in streaming.