A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned -
Benjamin Franklin

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Netflix - Price Increases

Netflix announced a price increase this week for their unlimited streaming video. You can read an article here. If you select the DVDs and streaming video, the price increases by 90%. I haven't had much success with the streaming videos as they freeze up half way through the movie and the selection is limited (mostly older movies). 


I cancelled my cable last week when Charter raised my bill by $45 a month - a 40% increase. I can't say that I've ever been overly satisfied with the cable programs, but as my television was over 20 years old it was the only way to get even local programs. Prices have come down dramatically on new televisions and I opted to buy a new one and an antenna. Both will pay for themselves within a few months and I actually found a few new channels. 


As for the Netflix increase, I'm not too sure if this is worth the price. I looked at the public library catalog and many of the movies I have on my Netflix queue are available and I can check out six DVDs at a time.


It would be nice if increases were across the board, but I doubt we will ever see the day when salary increases are at 40% or 90%.


Note: I can get a good selection of channels with an RCA digital flat antenna. Although it states that it receives free local HDTV/VHF/UHF, apparently Channel 8 transmits on UHF and I have been unable to get that. In an e-mail response from Channel 8 it was recommended that I get "rabbit ears" in order to get their programming. As all my other channels come in fine, I won't be getting a different antenna.


 Some programs can be viewed online at TV Guide.