Netflix Instant Watching Scores 5 Million Viewings in First 6 Months

LOS GATOS, July 10: Since online movie rental service
Netflix introduced its instant watching feature in January, allowing
subscribers to watch movies and TV episodes on their PCs, the feature has
already notched up 5 million viewings.

In January, Netflix introduced the new feature that allows
subscribers to start watching a movie or TV episode on their PCs in as little
as 30 seconds. Among the most popular titles for instant watching are the
American TV series The Office and the
films The Matrix, The
Prince and Me, Super Size Me, The Sum of All Fears, Jackass: The Movie and Sherrybaby. Netflix hopes to provide 5,000 titles for instant watching by the end
of the year.

Netflix subscribers can access a growing library of 2,000
titles that are available for instant watching. Members can browse movies
available for instant watching by title, genre or star rating. The hours
available for instant watching vary based on subscribers' monthly plans. For
example, subscribers on the $4.99 plan receive two DVDs each month with one DVD
out a time, plus the ability to watch 5 hours of movies and TV episodes
instantly on a PC for no additional charge. The $17.99 plan allows subscribers
unlimited DVD rentals with three DVDs out at a time and the ability to watch 18
hours of movies and TV episodes instantly on a PC for no additional charge.

"Netflix DVD delivery is fast and, with watching on the
PC, it's virtually instant," said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. "Netflix
continues to raise the bar to connect people with movies they love with great
convenience, selection and value.”