Netflix

[Vanraw]

So has Netflix found the golden key that will make the TV/movie execs sign on?

I dont think they found the golden key, more like a search for the holy grail.....

As Grieve points out, IF they are going to lose Starz, means they are about to lose a massive portion of their streaming content.

Im not sure if its still true, but these streaming rights used to be controlled by basically 4 entities. HBO, Showtime, and Starz. It has something to do with the original agreements these guys had back when cable was new. The ability to show restricted content as part of the "movie channels" back in the day had verbiage that restricted streaming as well, even though back then there was no such thing as internet / ip streaming.

Again I dont know if that has changed, but I dont think it has.

While I agree with Grieve that the advantage netflix has with client distribution is huge, its nothing if they lose the right to stream Starz and are unable to replace it from one of the other big guys. HBO has no interest, since they are trying to use HBOGO for streaming with the intent to expand subscribers. I dont know about Showtime.

SO I go back again to the question.... What the hell are these guys doing?!!!

I always thought that Netflix next move would be to add rental and streaming of new content. Today I use ZUNE and Blockbuster for this (zune with xbox client, and block buster with Samsung blue ray player client). Had they done that, I would never need another DVD sent by mail, and I would probably end up giving Netflix more money then I do today. This seemed like a really obvious move to me. There must be some legal or political push from the studios that prevented them from doing it.

Perhaps there is a merger / purchase in the works and getting rid of the mail service would clear the way for the purchase. Perhaps they are going to buy Blockbuster..... Perhaps Amazon or Microsoft, or even Apple are going to buy netflix. All three of these guys have enough money to simply write a check..... Perhaps it will be some network like CBS, or Showtime.....

This is the only thing that makes sense to me. They are either prepping for some big M&A or they are run by a bunch of morons.