This has been a summer of discontent for Netflix users, with Netflix itself predicting that it may lose up to 1 million customers. Many Roku users bought their Roku DVP primarily to stream movies from Netflix. If you're one of those and you're giving Netflix the boot, don't toss your Roku out to the curb with Netflix. There are many other options for getting your streaming film fix on the Roku.
In July, Netflix announced substantial price increases. Then they starting limiting users to one stream at a time. They quickly announced that this was an error, but not until the Web was awash in reports that limits were being enforced. Earlier this month, Starz ended contract renewal negotiations with Netflix, which will result in the loss of around 1,000 titles from the Netflix inventory, including streaming of newer releases from major studios that include Disney and Sony. And today, Netflix announced that the company will split in two. Netflix will continue the streaming part of the business, while the newly-formed Qwikster will handle DVDs. For customers who get both DVDs and streaming, this means two accounts, two monthly billings, two movie queues to manage, and a lack of communication of movie ratings between the two services.
Netflix may be the biggest player in the Roku Channel Store, but they aren't the only one. Over 300 Roku channels are currently available, with a wide variety of content that includes films, videos, music, sports, and games. But if you're looking for a Netflix replacement, you're looking for channels that provide access to the biggest current titles. Here are some options for you.
Amazon Instant Video - Amazon offers over 100,000 videos. Videos can be rented or purchased; prices start at $3.99 with no membership required. Amazon Prime members have access to over 9,000 of these videos at no additional charge; prime membership is $79 per year and includes free shipping on much of Amazon's merchandise. All content is ad-free. For more information, see the Amazon Instant Video channel page.
Hulu Plus - For $7.99 per month, you can watch more than 16,000 episodes from more than 400 current and classic television shows, as well as hundreds of movies. A complete list of TV shows and movies is available on the Hulu Plus website. Despite the monthly fee, most Hulu Plus content contains advertising.
Crackle - Although content is much more limited than Amazon and Hulu Plus, Crackle is a good choice for those who aren't looking for the latest films or TV shows, and those who don't want to pay subscription or rental fees. Crackle offers free, but ad-supported, access to over 200 movies and several dozen classic TV shows and original series. For a full review of Crackle, visit the Crackle channel page.
BigStar - Close to 400 films are currently available in all the usual genres, with unlimited viewing for $4.99 per month. Discounts are available for longer terms.
Those are the main general interest movie channels, but Roku also has several niche channels. Here are several that are worth checking out (click on the channel name for the RokuGuide channel page with more information on each channel):
Classic Westerns and Cowboy Classics - As the titles indicate, these two channels are loaded with movies about cowboys and the Wild West.
EZTakes - Over 5,000 films - art house, foreign, and independent. Buy or rent from the EZTakes website, then watch on your Roku, computer, or portable device, no recurring subscription fee required.
Movie Vault - Close to 900 classic films dating back to 1916, but with a focus on the 1930s through the 1950s. Unlimited viewing for a one-time channel purchase fee of only $3.99.
Lost Worlds Nature Films - Twelve nature documentaries, originally filmed in the IMAX format and shown in IMAX theaters. One-time channel purchase price is $19.95.
Pub-D-Hub - Very similar to the Movie Vault website, these are classic public domain movies, but with only a partial overlap of titles. Free, but a paid upgrade is available.
SnagFilms - Close to 200 free documentaries, including a decent selection of 21 music documentaries.
As you can see, there's a wide variety of movie options on the Roku. Despite the recent price increases and splitting of the DVD service from the streaming service, it's hard to beat Netflix in both price and availability of newer releases. Even non-Roku options such as Blockbuster On Demand don't offer the unlimited viewing available from Netflix. Whether you dump Netflix or stick it with it, check out some of the Roku movie channels listed above - you're likely to find some great movies not available elsewhere.
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Another cool thing is HBO go
Another cool thing is HBO go through the Roku if you already subscribe to HBO through DISH you can use your DISH info to get access to HBO’s shows and movies. On the other hand I replaced Netflix with the Blockbuster Movie Pass as soon as it came out. I get it through my employer, DISH, and just love all the options it gives me. I watch movies all the time so it’s especially nice not to worry about running out of options.
HBO
HBO's way of providing the code for users is corrupt.
I am surprised that a monopoly like this is being allowed, when two companies work together to form an alliance that undermines consumers.
HBO has the code that allows for access, by their monopoly alliance with another company, they are denying anyone from obtaining and purchasing the code, unless you go thru the monopoly.
the code was given to HBO, not the monthly service provider, therefore, no one should have to go thru a monthly service provider to purchase or get the code.
that is why, what they are doing is a monopoly.
Netflix, the problem is this, New Up to Date Movies, they have very, very few.
Netflix shows a large number of "New Releases" on their viewing screen, but that is a sneaky lie.
here is why, lets say you put out a new release in January, call it "Movie A" when April comes around, you take "Movie A" off the viewing site, so now its gone.
its now June, you bring back "Movie A", only you bring it back as a "New Release".
but in reality, "Movie A" is not a New Release, it was on your site before, its not new to the site, its not "NEW", it's a repeat from before.
Netflix downfall is not from seperating DVD and Streaming Video.
a good product is a good product, so do not blame it on the seperation of the two, the blame is with the product being offered.
I think Nexflix realizes that the DVD section is going under, it is not currently able to compete with Redbox due to poor management.
their future is hedgine on streaming video, unfortunately, once again, poor management.
it will not be long now, before a new company comes into this market, with a program similar to those of music programs, with more customizable libraries, searches, where things like most popular viewed for a given year, searched by movie grossed, dvds sold, etc.
someone will come in and take this market, it will not be too much longer.
Netflix
You should be supporting Netflix not running them down and saying things like a hefty price increase. Come on it's no more than you would pay for a McDonald's or a pack of cigarets. Steaming is the only way to go so I hope Netflix can work things out with Starz. The other alternates don't even come close to what Netflix has to offer and even at it's new price.
Dont forget about the EPIX
Dont forget about the EPIX channel...you get 14 days free.
Good Suggestion
I didn't include EPIX because, as you said, the trial is only 14 days and then you have to subscribe through your cable or satellite provider. However, it is a good option for those who have cable/satellite, but use their Roku for traveling or on a TV that doesn't have cable or satellite service (such as at a vacation home or on a TV used so seldom that it's not worth paying an additional monthly fee for a cable/satellite box). More information on this can be found on the EPIX channel page. Thanks for the suggestion.