Web Streaming Services

Updated May 1, 2012



Figure 1 Umpost.com

Web streaming services are the new wave, for entertainment. Services like Hulu and Netflix are among the top providers, for streaming content. The quora website says that Netflix has 100,000 physical DVDs, but the main use of Netflix is for streaming content. Netflix and Hulu provide a variety of options, from movies to TV shows.

Netflix was named 'Netflix' in 1996, not 'DVDs-by-mail' because the founders knew internet delivery would be ubiquitous. "Netflix provides two options for users. The first is the physical copy and the second is the streaming content; either through your computer, game counsel, or directly to your television; depending on if you have any of those options. The subscription fee for Netflix was between eight and nine dollars. However, in recent months, the subscription has risen to sixteen dollars per month.

Figure 2 themorton.com

Hulu offers a different spin, on streaming content. Hulu allows users to watch TV shows for free. They might not be the most recent episodes, but the content is free. Netflix will not allow you to watch your favorite show immediately after it airs, but for eight dollars a month, Hulu lets you view the most recent episodes of your favorite TV shows. Umpost mentions the pros and cons of the two services and reminds users to take advantage of the free month Hulu offers.

How do these services do so well? Hulu had 2 million subscribers for the 8/month service while it had 38 million visitors total. Bedbullit provided the number of Hulu users, in 2011. This is a great example of how many people are making the change to streamed content. The incline in users streaming content is believed to be because of the convenience of having all your favorite shows, in one location. The Mortan report states that Netflix has 23 million viewers. These are just two streaming sources available, on the internet. According to Magnet Video, streaming content has jumped 32%, from 2010. If these stats continue to increase will movie people still go to the theatre? The New York Times says

“The 24-Hour Movie now streams instead of unspools, filling our screens with images that, more and more, have been created algorithmically rather than photographically.”

Users will more likely wait for their content to get to their Netflix and Hulu instead of going to the theatre. These stats show that a continued increase could be inevitable. However, if you are a person who enjoys going to the theater or sitting at home watching the tube then do not worry because those mediums are not going anywhere any time soon.