Netflix has started services in the Netherlands. Subscribers will pay EUR 7.99 per month for unlimited access to films and TV programmes over its online streaming service. The first month is offered free, with no contract obligation. The service is accessible over connected TVs, mobile devices, PCs and gaming consoles, and each subscriber can connect up to six devices to his account.
Most content is available in HD, and there are no ads on Netflix. Netflix requires a minimum speed of 0.5 Mbps for SD and 5.0 Mbps for HD. Its 'Super HD' quality is possible at 7.0 Mbps, and 3D content requires 12.0 Mbps. Super HD is only available through ISPs connected to the Netflix CDN, Open Connect.
Netflix announced the planned Dutch launch earlier this year and announced the start of services at a press event on 11 September. The US-based company is already active in the Americas, Nordic markets and UK. The Dutch launch includes a range of international content as well as local titles, such as Dutch films (eg Heineken ontvoering, Iep, Alles is Liefde) and series (eg Gooische Vrouwen).
Research by the Telecompaper Consumer Panel in July found that 10 percent of Dutch consumers expect to take a subscription to Netflix. However, almost 30 percent said they were not familiar with the company, and a quarter said they would not take a subscription. Consumers with a tablet were more likely to be interested in Netflix. Of those with two or more tablets, 18 percent said they would take a subscription if the price was not substantially different to what Netflix charges in other countries. Among consumers with no tablet, this was only 6 percent.
