Netflix site hints US streaming-only live

[Update: pricing charts] Netflix's plans to offer streaming-only US plans may have solidified today as visitors to its site have been offered the option under certain conditions. Depending on the browser or region, users either get the same $8 price Canadians receive, see similar prices for both, or don't see the option at all. In one case, prices climbed to $9 for streaming and $10 for a disc.

CEO Reed Hastings had hinted earlier this month that the success of streaming in Canada, where it's the only option, was an incentive to accelerate plans for a similar move in the US by the fall. Combined with strong fiscal results for the fall, the company has been signalling that the transition from primarily Blu-ray and DVD rentals to streaming first may take place sooner than expected.

Netflix hasn't yet commented on the unintentional site changes.

Update: A follow-up leak has shown the tiered plans (bottom) and shows that streaming-only would cost $8, but physical rentals would require $10. [via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff