What Is Netflix Anyway?

Confused about the Netflix Australia hype? We answer all your questions.

Want all the TV shows and movies? You can get a free trial with each of the streaming internet tv providers below:

What is Netflix?

Netflix is a provider of internet only streaming media. Or to put it in plain speak, Netflix provides TV shows and movies that you watch exclusively online. It was founded in California in 1997 as a mail order DVD rental service, a service which it still provides in the USA. In the last few years, as the world has gone online, and as increasingly people are watching movies and TV shows online, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of online entertainment. They launched in Australia early April and look set to grow and grow, so here is a little guide to how they work. Click here to see a more detailed review of Netflix.

Do I get a free trial?

One of Netflix’s introductory offers includes a free trial month (lucky for us). Basically, you sign up, give them your credit card details to hold in case you exceed your free trial period and your first month is free. If you want to cancel, you can do so any time in that month and you won’t be charged, or if you're happy with the service and want to continue then you do nothing and your card will be charged when the free month is over.

How does Netflix subscription system work? How much is pricing?

Netflix offers three levels of service to Australian customers. Here they are, as well as what they bring to the table.

How does the Netflix profile system work?

If you live in a household of people with very different tastes, then the Netflix Profile system is about to be your best friend. Basically, you can set up different profiles for each user allowing them to save their ratings, their My List and receive their personalised recommendations. This allows each person to have a personal place on Netflix, and will make it easier for you to find and to be recommended the content that you love.

How does Netflix ‘My List’ work?

Netflix ‘My List’ is an easy way to remember content that you might want to watch later. When you’re browsing through Netflix’s extensive catalogue, if you see something you want to watch, but don’t want to watch right then, you save it to My List. My List then stores all of the titles you want to watch, reminding you and giving you easy access for whenever you’re ready.

How does Netflix streaming system work?

It’s like a Youtube video, only much longer. Basically the content is played at the same time it is temporarily downloaded, allowing you to watch it in real time. That is why occasionally videos stop mid way, when the watching catches up to the downloading. This is, of course, an incredibly simplified take on it. Streaming is a great service and has changed the course of many industries including entertainment, news and sports.

What are Netflix ready devices?

Netflix can be streamed on almost any internet ready device through a traditional web browser, but it also has downloadable apps for PS3, Wii, Xbox and tablets, as well as being available on set top boxes like Apple TV. Click here to check if your current device is compatible and how to set it up.

How does the Netflix app work?

Download the Netflix App for any available device, when you open it you’ll log in using the same username and password you use to access Netflix in a web browser, then you can browse, save and watch content, just as you would at home. Click here to read about the best Netflix apps for your Apple device.

What is Netflix’s suggested internet speed for better picture quality?

Streaming is quite data intense, so if you have a data limit on your internet or mobile device it won’t be too long before Netflix has chomped through it (depending on how much it is, of course.) and to stream video a good, reliable internet connection is available. Thankfully, Netflix has made this very easy for us by publishing this required connection table:

• 0.5 Megabits per second - Required broadband connection speed
• 1.5 Megabits per second - Recommended broadband connection speed
• 3.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for SD quality
• 5.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for HD quality
• 25 Megabits per second - Recommended for Ultra HD quality

If you’re not sure what your internet speed is then check with your provider, or online where there are lots of services available to show you the speed your internet is moving at. It’s worth finding out what sort of internet speeds you have before you sign on, as it might determine which package you get. Click here to compare unlimited broadband plans.

How does Netflix DVD rental system work?

Be mindful that the DVD-by-mail system is only available for Netflix in the USA. Basically, you set up a list of movies you want to see. Then they mail you the DVD for you to watch at your convenience, when you’re done you mail it back and they send you another. It was a very popular service, but was ultimately bested by the in home streaming option, which is cheaper, quicker and offers more choice to the consumer.

Where is Netflix available?

Netflix is an American company, and currently offers its services across North America and South America, as well as in Europe in Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the UK) and most recently in Australia and New Zealand.

How does Netflix unsubscription system work?

You can cancel your Netflix service whenever you like, as your contract is only ever on a month-by-month basis. When you cancel you will still have access to all Netflix content until the end of that billing period. So for example, if your billing day is the 20th of the month and you cancel on the 10th of the month, you can still watch Netflix until, that’s right, the 20th of the month.

What content does Netflix Australia have?

The most famous TV show is likely to be House of Cards. And don't get us wrong, it is an amazing show, but the content list compared to Netflix USA is lacking. Never fear though, Netflix Australia has promised to work on this list, trying to get licences to more content for your entertainment. Other notable shows include Planet Earth, Suits, Summer Heights High, The Originals, The Vampire Diaries, Pingu and Power Rangers. Click here for the full content list available on Netflix Australia.

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