About a month ago, I released a story about how Netflix was making big changes. This news did not sit well with just about every subscriber of Netflix. Comments came pouring in about splitting the company into 2 different services. The overall feeling was that it was the worst idea for Netflix to come up with. Well, that and raise in prices. It was a decision that would have devastated the company.

After all the complaining finally settled, Netflix finally realized what they were about to do. So, to make sure everything clears up, Netflix sent all the customers, like me, an email like this…

	Dear Stephen, It is clear that for many of our members two websites would make things more difficult, so we are going to keep Netflix as one place to go for streaming and DVDs. This means no change: one website, one account, one password…in other words, no Qwikster. While the July price change was necessary, we are now done with price changes. We’re constantly improving our streaming selection. We’ve recently added hundreds of movies from Paramount, Sony, Universal, Fox, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, MGM and Miramax. Plus, in the last couple of weeks alone, we’ve added over 3,500 TV episodes from ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, USA, E!, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, ABC Family, Discovery Channel, TLC, SyFy, A&E, History, and PBS. We value you as a member, and we are committed to making Netflix the best place to get your movies & TV shows. Respectfully, The Netflix Team

For probably all of us, this was a sign of relief. The idea just seemed to complicated. And the company would have definitely lost a decent amount of customers.

Tags: change, customer, DVD, LionsGate, mail, movies, Netflix, Paramount, Qwikster, rentals, show, television, theater, Warner Bros, website

When Netflix raised their prices, people were outraged. Many dropped the service, feeling it was too expensive to keep receiving DVDs in the mail. So, to try and get rid of the confusion, get back some old customers, and grab some new ones, Netflix is making some drastic changes.

One of the changes they did to infuriate customers, was splitting up the streaming movie service and DVD-by-mail service. So what they are going to do, is completley change the name of DVD-by-mail service, which will be called “Qwikster.” Netflix will still keep the name, however, it will only be for the streaming videos. Their will also be a change in your credit card statement, but the prices will stay the same.

For me, the best part is what they are adding to the service. Not too long ago, I wrote an article, Gamefly vs. Redbox, that talked about how Redbox started video game rentals. What will be known as Qwikster, will not only be using the DVD-by-mail service, but they will be giving into the video game rentals. Many customers having been wanting this service for years. At this time, there is no information as to when this will start and the price of the service. It is great to hear that they are going ahead and trying this out. Now that Netflix will be doing game rentals, it will be another company to add to the list of companies who give the same service. Since Netflix is a popular name, they might have a better chance of succeeding.

This comes to light after Reed Hastings, Co-Founder and CEO of Netflix, released a statement on the Netflix Blog , explaining the changes that have happened and that are coming. Many comments about this blog are showing disagreement on all the changes. Some explain the problems it will cause. Only time will tell how well this new system will work

Netflix Adding Video Games Rentals, Spawning Spin-off Qwikster. 

Tags: blog, credit card, DVD, gameboy, Gamefly, Games, mail, movies, Netflix, nintendo, playstation, Qwikster, reedbox, streaming, visa, Xbox

Ok so I love these books, I love these movies. This set needs to be in my house. No word on when it will be released but much like anything else involing devoted fandom there are some rumbles within the pit.

Apparently New Line Cinema is releasing a BluRay Theatrical version first in an attempt to pull in as many duckets as they can. Fans want to big series. I want the big pack. I ahd to wait extra time to get the special Directors cut dvd’s with the statues ect. I will by the BluRay version.. It would be nice to have a date to go with the release though.

Preorders aren’t too bad though when you consider the amount of material going to be in this set. I wonder if there will be goodies? I might have to wait for goodies… Like a shard of Narsil, that would be awesome.

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Limited Extended Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]

Tags: Blu Ray, bluray, DVD, extended edition, lord of the rings, lotr, release date, ripoff

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Today’s Show: Light, Coffee, Photography, LED, DVD, DRM, DIY

A couple time management issues reared their heads for todays show which generated a loose collection of stories I think you will find engaging and interesting. Covering the full spectrum of different topics under Caffeine and Technology we bring to light an episode born out of coffee and fueled by passion. I hope you enjoy.

• Back Channel Links Tumblr Blog Grinds
• The Everything Feed: Friendfeed
• The RSS Feed for this Podcast
• How do You get started? My Productive Cycle Explained, to a point

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Tags: Coffee, DRM, DVD, DYI, LED, Light, photography