Netflix and Instant Viewing: Is it Worth It?

Blockbuster Online and Netflix are in an Internet movie rental battle that just keeps getting better. Better for the customer that is as each company is constantly trying to outdo the other. Netflix may have just taken the lead with the unveiling of the Instant Viewing option that allows subscribers to see movies instantly on their PC. Read on to find out what I discovered during my two week trial with Netflix and you can determine if it is right for you.

Netflix offers a two week trial for all new members though you must have a credit card to receive it. The amounts of online viewing hours that you receive are based on the plan that you choose. After you are finished with the registration process you are allowed to start watching your Netflix Instant Viewing movies. Click on the tab at the right hand side of the screen that says "Instant Viewing" and you are taken to the movie selection screen. You can sort your view of movies by genre, rating, recommendations and more.

As I was browsing through the movies, I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed with the selections. There are a few popular movies that you can instantly watch but the most recent films that I found were from 2005. There are no new releases on the instant viewing and Netflix also skimped on the kids movies. However, there are a wide selection of independent films and lesser known films to choose from. There were a few movies that I had never heard of and was pleasantly surprised by.

You can keep track of the movies that have been viewed and how much time you have remaining in your instant viewing time easily. Click on the "My Account" button at the top of your page and then click on "View Instant Viewing Activity". This screen tells you all of that information. You may be wondering what happens if you only have 5 minutes remaining on your time. I was surprised to find that as long as you have one minute remaining that you are allowed to watch an entire movie. Those with slow Internet connections can also use this service.