email print share on Facebook share on Twitter share on LinkedIn share on reddit pin on Pinterest

DISTRIBUTION UK / Ireland

Netflix sets up shop in the British Isles

by 

The video on demand market in the UK and Ireland received a major boost on Monday with the official launch of US company Netflix.

Going head to head with entrenched player Lovefilm that’s owned by Amazon, Netflix is entering the market aggressively, offering everyone in the two countries a free one month trial, followed by a competitive monthly subscription of £5.99 in the UK and €6.99 in Ireland. Lovefilm’s unlimited film and television streaming and DVD rental service costs £9.99 per month.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

Initially, Netflix is offering content from All3Media, the BBC, CBS, Channel 4’s 4oD, Disney UK & Ireland, ITV, Lionsgate UK, MGM, Miramax, Momentum Pictures, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox and Viacom International Media Networks. These will be available on several internet-connected devices including Smart TVs, game consoles, Blu-ray players, tablets and mobile phones.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “We are starting 2012 in the best possible way: by giving consumers in the UK and Ireland an amazing entertainment experience. Now, you can enjoy as many great films and TV programmes as you want, when you want, where you want, for one low monthly price with no contracts or commitments.”

Besides cable, satellite and television providers, other players in the market include Google that has a movie rental service for UK Android customers and Sony’s Entertainment Network that offers streaming and downloading. With Netflix’s entry, the stage is set for a price war.

Netflix has 20 million streaming members across 47 countries.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.

Privacy Policy