We’ve been relying heavily on Netflix as our movie source ever since we canceled cable. Recently Netflix actually lowered its subscription prices, yet again reaffirming my satisfaction with the company. No doubt the price lowering is due to increased online competition such as from Blockbuster. Blockbuster, faced with a surfeit of brick-and-mortar stores in an increasingly online world, has been clawing desperately for online market share to keep its head above water.

The price drop is a public relations maneuver more than anything else. For example, the 3-movies-at-a-time deal went from $17.99/month to $16.99/month, which is hardly a reason to switch services. The big news, however, is that Netflix has been moving towards delivering online content for quite awhile now and is testing the waters with (in my subscription) 17 hours/month of free online movies. Netflix, in a well-played maneuver, used the price lowering notice to inform subscribers of the new service. Subscribers to the regular Netflix service can choose from over 4,000 movies and television episodes with Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” service.

Regardless of the reasons, though, Netflix has lowered its subscription prices and now offers free online content to subscribers, which is good news for the frugal consumer. Over the next couple days, I’ll kick the tires,  fire it up, take it for a spin around the block, and let you know how it performs.