The subscription model

[rridgely]

Every now and then I'll try to bring up a topic that I find interesting, this is definitely one of those times.

Within the last two months or so I've completely changed the way I consume media(music, movies, videogames). I went from having to pay $15 per album, $20-60 per game, or $15 for a movie to paying $50 a month and having ANYTHING available to me.

 

Originally I had a real hard time accepting the idea that I wouldn't "own" any of the content that I had anymore, but I soon realized that the trade off was worth it. I want to play a game, just get it mailed to me. Same with movies. With music I can have it on my player in under a minute. So far DRM hasn't gotten in the way one bit since with games/movies its still physical media, but I'm hesitant to see where things go once steaming/downloading takes charge(its bound to happen soon).

 

Its changed the way I see things drastically. No longer do I have to think about do I want to play that game, or listen to that song due to the cost, instead I can just try it and if I don't like it I can just get something else. Anyone else got any views on services like netflix, zune, gamefly, napster, ect? Have these services changed your consumption habits of media at all?

 

Hopefully I'm not the only one who think this is an interesting topic.

[Talldog9]

Gamefly is interesting to me. Now I just have to find some funds...........................................................................

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[Corona]

I use Netflix now. TV is way too droll.

[fireryone]

Legal streaming is a bit slack in Australia, partly because of the download limits on most broadband plans.

 

Free:

http://www.madman.com.au is usually running 2 - 3 Animes (including Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

http://www.abc.net.au/iview (not comparable to USA's abc) keeps most shows available for a week or so (Dr Who / Torchwood / Sanctuary)and many other local & british shows),

and the other channels are starting to have streams if you missed an episode of say Criminal Minds and 24 etc

 

Paid (haven't personally used it):

TiVio w/ Blockbuster VOD rentals and CASPA

http://www.mytivo.com.au

http://apcmag.com/caspa-tivos-weapon-of-ch...o-on-demand.htm

 

Unlike TiVo overseas its not subscription based you buy the unit you get access.

Some isp's don't count the data used toward your plan when using TIVO and ABC Iview.

 

and that's about it (if you don't include youtube, other better illegitimate sites with tv/movie streams), have not stumbled accross any online dl based game rental services.

 

Cant wait for Hulu access in Australia (without needing to bypass county checks) we are supposedly in the top 10 places hulu want to branch into, but wont hold my breath.