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Netflix for TV Gets a Makeover

Netflix logoJust in time to watch the doors shut for good on Blockbuster, Netflix is beginning it’s roll out on a brand new look for Netflix on your Television. The new look, that Netflix says is “The biggest update in Netflix history to our TV experience” will begin it’s debut today on some devices.

This update, which Netflix says has been in the works for over a year in a half, will work on Roku, newer gaming consoles and other devices such as Smart TV and Blu-Ray players. “Our members collectively watch more than a billion hours of Netflix a month, most of that is on a TV,” Netflix’s chief product officer Neil Hunt said in a statement. Netflix aims to make that content easier to find.

The new update, using Javascript, will allow more devices to use the new interface and allows Netflix to roll out updates easier in the future. Most devices will see the update on their device within a couple of weeks, however older devices make take a few months to get updated.

What do you think? Did you find it hard to find content you wanted to watch on Netflix? Looking forward to the new update? Let us know in the comments below!

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Bye Bye Blockbuster: Closing All Stores by Early 2014

blockbusterDish Network, who operates around 300 of the Blockbuster stores announced today that it will close all of the video rental chain’s remaining U.S. stores, as well as it’s DVD by mail business by early 2014 attributing the move to more consumers switching to streaming and other digital alternatives.

“This is not an easy decision, yet consumer demand is clearly moving to digital distribution of video entertainment,” said Joseph P. Clayton, Dish president and CEO. “Despite our closing of the physical distribution elements of the business, we continue to see value in the Blockbuster brand, and we expect to leverage that brand as we continue to expand our digital offerings.”

However, stores that operate as licensed franchises will be able to remain open and operate under the Blockbuster name. Blockbuster by mail will end in December.

This move probably makes Netflix, Amazon and Redbox very happy, and we suppose they will be offering specials soon to gather up as much of the old Blockbuster customers as they can. Were you a Blockbuster Subscriber, in store or by mail? Will you switch to another provider? If so, which one? Let us know in the comments below!