Netflix Community FAQ
This is a semi-official (and experimental) Netflix forum, but I do not work for Netflix, so do not take any of the following as official. I am reasonably comfortable with its accuracy though.
What cool new features has Netflix added recently?
What happened to the old "Releasing this Week" page"?
Why aren't new releases available for Instant Watching?
How can I know when Instant Watch titles will be removed?
How do I make a purple link to a Netflix movie appear in my posts?
How do I set the privacy on individual titles?
Do I need to return a movie to same distribution center that sent it?
Why doesn't Netflix allow more than 500 discs in my queue?
Why isn't my next movie always mailed out the same day?
Why doesn't Netflix allow 1/2 stars in ratings?
How can I view Instant Watch movies in Firefox?
When can we expect Instant Watch on Mac/Linux/PS3/X360?
Why do my reviews/friends/whatever keep disappearing and reappearing?
Why won't Netflix accept my review?
Why doesn't Netflix have that movie I want?
Why doesn't Netflix offer 6 or 7-day processing/shipping?
Anyone know about this Blockbuster exclusive nonsense?
I have the most incredible idea that would make Netflix better.
Does Netflix use "throttling"?
What ever happened to that class action suit from a few years ago?
I want to talk to someone at Netflix about a problem I am having.
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What cool new features has Netflix added recently?
On May 27th, "A new version was released this afternoon, it's mostly bug fixes and internal changes. Some of the fixes will improve the movie recommendations in a few places."
On May 20th, the Netflix Player by Roku was released for $100 that allows Instant Watching direction on your TV. (Remember: "Members with a Netflix plan that includes unlimited instant watching may associate up to 4 unique devices with an account during a twelve month period." If you aren't sure, you may want to call Netflix and see how many computers you have activated in the last year.)
On May 15th, they "made a change that should speed up the queue page load time for people who have very long queues. It works by compressing the information, so its a lot smaller and gets there quicker."
On May 9th, they added sliders to the New Releases page to show movies released this week/month/etc.
They also added drag & drop to the queue for Safari.
On May 2nd, they added an Instant Watch tab to the Queue page. Info on how it works.
What happened to the old "Releasing this Week" page?
Update: On May 9th, Netflix added sliders to the new page to show movies added in the last week/month.
Netflix retooled it, but the original page still exists. However please be advised that Netflix, at their own discretion, may remove that page at any time. There is also an RSS feed that gets updated with the same titles.
Why aren't new releases available for Instant Watching?
Studios do not allow Netflix to acquire/buy those rights right away at release time. Studios know their profit margin and it wouldn't give the studios more profit to allow Netflix & other "streaming" services to acquire them. So it's not up to Netflix, its simply how the studios work.
Instant Watch titles come and go, how can I know which ones to watch before they are removed?
Check this thread for info on Instant Watch expiration dates.
How do I make a purple link to a Netflix movie appear in my posts here?
How do I set the privacy on individual titles?
Check this thread for a Step by Step Guide to Privacy.
Do I need to return a movie to same distribution center that sent it?
No matter what the envelope says.... it will likely get shipped to the address listed on the barcode which is the same as the address listed on the envelope. USPS often ignores the Nearest Shipping Center line. If you want to be sure it gets sent to the local center.... you must cover the envelope bar code with black marker and cross out the distant address. Then write the local address on the envelope. The alternative is to send your dvds back two to an envelope and toss the extra envelopes for the distant dvds you receive.
Why doesn't Netflix allow more than 500 discs in my queue?
The relatively small number of people that need more than 500 slots doesn't warrant the time/effort/cost of making the necessary changes when you're looking at the Big Picture of more than 8 mil. members. Workarounds are to add movies to a custom list or to a queue on a secondary profile.
Why isn't my next movie always mailed out the same day they received my last movie?
If a movie isn't available locally, the request may be transferred to another shipping center -- since they are in the process of handling their own local customers, this request usually gets handled in the next processing cycle (but sometimes they can handle it the same day) -- and of course, shipping from a non-local distribution center may also result in longer delivery times. In addition, occasionally a shipping center may experience a high volume of processing and simply not have enough hours to handle all the requests before the shipments must be delivered to the post office. Also, sometimes Netflix has your movie, and before they envelope it they see it's cracked/damaged & they cannot send out to you.
Why doesn't Netflix allow 1/2 stars in ratings?
When they tested 1/2 stars in various markets the number of ratings actually plummeted because people got all confused/overwhelmed/intimidated/whatever. Tragic, but true.
(I continue to hope they will make it optional though.)
How can I view Instant Watch movies in Firefox?
Go to this thread for details on how (Windows only).
When can we expect Instant Watch on Mac/Linux/PS3/X360?
Intel Mac: probably around Nov 2008 (definitely this year)
PowerPC Mac: unknown (probably never)
Linux: probably mid-2009
PS3: unknown (maybe never) but they are working on it
XBOX 360: November 19, with Xbox LIVE Gold membership
Stand alone set-top box players: On May 20th, the Netflix Player by Roku was released for $100, more expected in Fall 2008. (Remember: "Members with a Netflix plan that includes unlimited instant watching may associate up to 4 unique devices with an account during a twelve month period." If you aren't sure, you may want to call Netflix and see how many computers you have activated in the last year.)
Those with Intel Macs can install Parallels and purchase/install Windows to watch movies now. There is a similar workaround for Linux.
For more up to date details about Mac/Linux/PS3/X360, check out The Long Answer.
Why do my reviews/friends/whatever keep disappearing and reappearing?
The data is spread across a lot of servers. One server queries other servers to see if they have any relevant data. If it doesn't get a response fast enough, then it just sends you the data it has. During busy times, data can seem to mysteriously vanish, but its all still there.
Why won't Netflix accept my review? I keep getting a "review submission error".
There are some words that Netflix won't accept in a review. Most of them are obvious, but check this thread for more details.
Why doesn't Netflix have that movie I want?
There are several possible reasons:
A) The copies they had got damaged and the movie is now out-of-print so they can't replace them.
B) The manufacturer hasn't made enough copies to supply Netflix yet.
C) If the movie hasn't been released on DVD in North America (Region 1) it isn't possible for Netflix to acquire it. A lot of foreign movies are still to be released in North America and it is impossible to predict which movies will be released when - if ever.
D) Netflix isn't aware of the title, but you can let them know about it here: Title Request Page
(You should include a link to the IMDB page for the movie so they know exactly which title you are requesting.)
Why doesn't Netflix offer 6 or 7-day processing/shipping?
This would significantly increase the work force and overhead costs for Netflix which in turn would increase the Netflix subscription prices for everyone. (If you really want more movies, you can upgrade your subscription and it will work out about the same.)
Anyone know about this Blockbuster exclusive nonsense?
Weinstein has an agreement w/ Blockbuster for "exclusivity" - and BB has to fund about 75% of any movie Weinstein wants to make for a period of about 5 years.
However, there is a law that allows any DVD you BUY to be RENTABLE.
So NF can go out and buy copies and then rent to you, the customer:)
I have the most incredible idea that would make Netflix so much better.
Please, feel free to post your idea in this forum. It will be seen by people at Netflix.
You can also send the idea directly to Netflix, but you won't get any response and no feedback from the rest of the community.
Does Netflix use "throttling"?
Depends on how you define it.
No. ("Netflix does not single out individual members and assign them to a 'throttle list'.")
Yes. ("In determining priority for shipping and inventory allocation, we may utilize many different factors, including without limitation, the number and type of DVDs you rent through our service, the subscription plan you select, as well as other uses of our service by you.")
Frequent renters get moved to the end of the line every day. If it is a busy day, their movies might not get done soon enough to get in the mail that day. Basically, people who only get a couple movies/week (or less) get priority over those who try to get their movies back in the mail the same day they receive them. It may be frustrating for frequent renters, but it is largely a fair system.
What ever happened to that class action suit from a few years ago?
Here is Netflix's official Settlement page. "Class members who timely and accurately completed the Claim Form Process will be contacted via email on or before November 29, 2008 regarding the procedure for receiving their settlement benefit."
I want to talk to someone at Netflix about a problem I am having.
You can call Netflix and talk to someone in Customer Support.
What cool new features has Netflix added recently?
What happened to the old "Releasing this Week" page"?
Why aren't new releases available for Instant Watching?
How can I know when Instant Watch titles will be removed?
How do I make a purple link to a Netflix movie appear in my posts?
How do I set the privacy on individual titles?
Do I need to return a movie to same distribution center that sent it?
Why doesn't Netflix allow more than 500 discs in my queue?
Why isn't my next movie always mailed out the same day?
Why doesn't Netflix allow 1/2 stars in ratings?
How can I view Instant Watch movies in Firefox?
When can we expect Instant Watch on Mac/Linux/PS3/X360?
Why do my reviews/friends/whatever keep disappearing and reappearing?
Why won't Netflix accept my review?
Why doesn't Netflix have that movie I want?
Why doesn't Netflix offer 6 or 7-day processing/shipping?
Anyone know about this Blockbuster exclusive nonsense?
I have the most incredible idea that would make Netflix better.
Does Netflix use "throttling"?
What ever happened to that class action suit from a few years ago?
I want to talk to someone at Netflix about a problem I am having.
____________________________________________________________
What cool new features has Netflix added recently?
On May 27th, "A new version was released this afternoon, it's mostly bug fixes and internal changes. Some of the fixes will improve the movie recommendations in a few places."
On May 20th, the Netflix Player by Roku was released for $100 that allows Instant Watching direction on your TV. (Remember: "Members with a Netflix plan that includes unlimited instant watching may associate up to 4 unique devices with an account during a twelve month period." If you aren't sure, you may want to call Netflix and see how many computers you have activated in the last year.)
On May 15th, they "made a change that should speed up the queue page load time for people who have very long queues. It works by compressing the information, so its a lot smaller and gets there quicker."
On May 9th, they added sliders to the New Releases page to show movies released this week/month/etc.
They also added drag & drop to the queue for Safari.
On May 2nd, they added an Instant Watch tab to the Queue page. Info on how it works.
What happened to the old "Releasing this Week" page?
Update: On May 9th, Netflix added sliders to the new page to show movies added in the last week/month.
Netflix retooled it, but the original page still exists. However please be advised that Netflix, at their own discretion, may remove that page at any time. There is also an RSS feed that gets updated with the same titles.
Why aren't new releases available for Instant Watching?
Studios do not allow Netflix to acquire/buy those rights right away at release time. Studios know their profit margin and it wouldn't give the studios more profit to allow Netflix & other "streaming" services to acquire them. So it's not up to Netflix, its simply how the studios work.
Instant Watch titles come and go, how can I know which ones to watch before they are removed?
Check this thread for info on Instant Watch expiration dates.
How do I make a purple link to a Netflix movie appear in my posts here?
- Go to the movie's page on Netflix and copy the link (http://...)
- In your post here, highlight (drag your mouse over) the words you want to be purple (i.e. the movie title)
- Click the Add Hyperlink button:
- Paste in the link you copied in step 1 into the pop-up
- Click OK
How do I set the privacy on individual titles?
Check this thread for a Step by Step Guide to Privacy.
Do I need to return a movie to same distribution center that sent it?
No matter what the envelope says.... it will likely get shipped to the address listed on the barcode which is the same as the address listed on the envelope. USPS often ignores the Nearest Shipping Center line. If you want to be sure it gets sent to the local center.... you must cover the envelope bar code with black marker and cross out the distant address. Then write the local address on the envelope. The alternative is to send your dvds back two to an envelope and toss the extra envelopes for the distant dvds you receive.
Why doesn't Netflix allow more than 500 discs in my queue?
The relatively small number of people that need more than 500 slots doesn't warrant the time/effort/cost of making the necessary changes when you're looking at the Big Picture of more than 8 mil. members. Workarounds are to add movies to a custom list or to a queue on a secondary profile.
Why isn't my next movie always mailed out the same day they received my last movie?
If a movie isn't available locally, the request may be transferred to another shipping center -- since they are in the process of handling their own local customers, this request usually gets handled in the next processing cycle (but sometimes they can handle it the same day) -- and of course, shipping from a non-local distribution center may also result in longer delivery times. In addition, occasionally a shipping center may experience a high volume of processing and simply not have enough hours to handle all the requests before the shipments must be delivered to the post office. Also, sometimes Netflix has your movie, and before they envelope it they see it's cracked/damaged & they cannot send out to you.
Why doesn't Netflix allow 1/2 stars in ratings?
When they tested 1/2 stars in various markets the number of ratings actually plummeted because people got all confused/overwhelmed/intimidated/whatever. Tragic, but true.
(I continue to hope they will make it optional though.)
How can I view Instant Watch movies in Firefox?
Go to this thread for details on how (Windows only).
When can we expect Instant Watch on Mac/Linux/PS3/X360?
Intel Mac: probably around Nov 2008 (definitely this year)
PowerPC Mac: unknown (probably never)
Linux: probably mid-2009
PS3: unknown (maybe never) but they are working on it
XBOX 360: November 19, with Xbox LIVE Gold membership
Stand alone set-top box players: On May 20th, the Netflix Player by Roku was released for $100, more expected in Fall 2008. (Remember: "Members with a Netflix plan that includes unlimited instant watching may associate up to 4 unique devices with an account during a twelve month period." If you aren't sure, you may want to call Netflix and see how many computers you have activated in the last year.)
Those with Intel Macs can install Parallels and purchase/install Windows to watch movies now. There is a similar workaround for Linux.
For more up to date details about Mac/Linux/PS3/X360, check out The Long Answer.
Why do my reviews/friends/whatever keep disappearing and reappearing?
The data is spread across a lot of servers. One server queries other servers to see if they have any relevant data. If it doesn't get a response fast enough, then it just sends you the data it has. During busy times, data can seem to mysteriously vanish, but its all still there.
Why won't Netflix accept my review? I keep getting a "review submission error".
There are some words that Netflix won't accept in a review. Most of them are obvious, but check this thread for more details.
Why doesn't Netflix have that movie I want?
There are several possible reasons:
A) The copies they had got damaged and the movie is now out-of-print so they can't replace them.
B) The manufacturer hasn't made enough copies to supply Netflix yet.
C) If the movie hasn't been released on DVD in North America (Region 1) it isn't possible for Netflix to acquire it. A lot of foreign movies are still to be released in North America and it is impossible to predict which movies will be released when - if ever.
D) Netflix isn't aware of the title, but you can let them know about it here: Title Request Page
(You should include a link to the IMDB page for the movie so they know exactly which title you are requesting.)
Why doesn't Netflix offer 6 or 7-day processing/shipping?
This would significantly increase the work force and overhead costs for Netflix which in turn would increase the Netflix subscription prices for everyone. (If you really want more movies, you can upgrade your subscription and it will work out about the same.)
Anyone know about this Blockbuster exclusive nonsense?
Weinstein has an agreement w/ Blockbuster for "exclusivity" - and BB has to fund about 75% of any movie Weinstein wants to make for a period of about 5 years.
However, there is a law that allows any DVD you BUY to be RENTABLE.
So NF can go out and buy copies and then rent to you, the customer:)
I have the most incredible idea that would make Netflix so much better.
Please, feel free to post your idea in this forum. It will be seen by people at Netflix.
You can also send the idea directly to Netflix, but you won't get any response and no feedback from the rest of the community.
Does Netflix use "throttling"?
Depends on how you define it.
No. ("Netflix does not single out individual members and assign them to a 'throttle list'.")
Yes. ("In determining priority for shipping and inventory allocation, we may utilize many different factors, including without limitation, the number and type of DVDs you rent through our service, the subscription plan you select, as well as other uses of our service by you.")
Frequent renters get moved to the end of the line every day. If it is a busy day, their movies might not get done soon enough to get in the mail that day. Basically, people who only get a couple movies/week (or less) get priority over those who try to get their movies back in the mail the same day they receive them. It may be frustrating for frequent renters, but it is largely a fair system.
What ever happened to that class action suit from a few years ago?
Here is Netflix's official Settlement page. "Class members who timely and accurately completed the Claim Form Process will be contacted via email on or before November 29, 2008 regarding the procedure for receiving their settlement benefit."
I want to talk to someone at Netflix about a problem I am having.
You can call Netflix and talk to someone in Customer Support.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Knaldskalle on -
My $0.02:
Why doesn't Netflix have that movie I want?
D) If the movie hasn't been released on DVD in North America (Region 1) it isn't possible for Netflix to acquire it. A lot of foreign movies are still to be released in North America and it is impossible to predict which movies will be released when - if ever.
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Permalink Reply by Arcane Pretext on -
D) If the movie hasn't been released on DVD in North America (Region 1) it isn't possible for Netflix to acquire it.
That isn't true.
I can think of at least one example where Netflix went out of its way to requisition the rights to a foreign film before it was released in North America.
In fact, to this day Netflix is the only place you can get a region 1 copy of the Lukas Moodysson film "A Hole in My Heart." They hold the exclusive rights to it.
So, Netflix can in fact obtain films that haven't even been released in North America yet. I hope that trend continues as well. It is the one thing that Netflix has over all other online competitors: a vast and unique selection of films.
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Permalink Reply by Knaldskalle on
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If Netflix has the movie, it has been released in some way, I'd say. Semantics? ;-)
But my point was of course, that there's a whole slew of great foreign films that Netflix doesn't stock because they're simply not available in North America on DVD (Region 1, NTSC).
The reason for that is usually licensing (distribution rights). Sometimes the license holder just "sits" on a title and waits for an opportune moment to release it, other times no one has bought the distribution rights for North America and the movie is just "waiting" for someone to pick it up. Seems Netflix has done that a couple of times, and I can only applaud that initiative. More movies to the people!
Guess I'll have to start that "movie suggestion" function a lot more... :-)
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Permalink Reply by greg on -
Is anyone else as pissed as I am about not getting the movies you want. I have 17 movies in my que and out of the 17 12 are marked as long wait or very long wait. several of the movies marked this way have been like that for several weeks. I actually took 1 movie off of my que this weekend because it was on HBO. I was with blockbuster for awhile and never had this problem.
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Permalink Reply by Drom John on -
For those marked any delay, I don't get mad. Supply and demand.
I'm occasionally miffed when an available "Now" disc is skipped, and that disc stays "Now" the next day.
My current top of queue "Quadrophenia" was skipped last time and was "Now" before and has remained "Now" after. Let's see if it's skipped or shipped today.
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Permalink Reply by Baff on -
I had a "now" movie skipped 3 times last week. A couple possibilities.
The movie could be available "now" across the country, but they decided to just ship you your next title instead of making you wait several days for it to arrive.
Or, at the moment your next movie was chosen, Quadrophenia was at "short wait". More returned envelopes were opened after that and it went back to "now". The wait times on movies are only updated on the site a few times/day I believe.
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Permalink Reply by greg on
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I can understand what you say if I had a couple of movies on some delay but when it is over 70% of the list it is rediculous. I guess all I can say is Netflix really sucks and I am going back to Blockbuster. I keep taking movies off of my list because I get tired of waiting and i go to Blockbuster and if I am a subscriber it doesn't cost anything.
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Permalink Reply by Diane on -
A LOT of customers are as pissed as you are....a LOT of customers that regrettably I encouraged to use Netflix. And I'm tired of hearing the argument (from Netflix) that there are plenty of other movies(OLD movies) to choose from to fill your order. My problem with that is all that's happening is I'm trying to find movies to fill my queue...movies that I wouldn't spend money on renting in the first place. I was under the impression that Netflix's service was to provide movies that I WANT to watch. If they can't keep their supply adequate to meet the demand of customers, then do something to change that. Or, refund my monthly rental if they can't provide me with ANY movies that I've requested in that month. I REFUSE to fill my queue with movies I don't particularly want just to help NETFLIX justify taking my money. I am happy to pay for what I'm getting. But, it does PISS me off to pay for something I'm not getting. I have contacted Netflix repeatedly about this problem, but they seem to be unconcerned. My account is down to only 1 movie at a time. If the situation continues the only thing left to do is go to Blockbuster, which I'm having to do now to get the movies I want on a timely basis. If Blockbuster can get enough copies of movies to satisfy their customers and me(a Netflix customer) why can't Netflix??? Netflix needs to WAKE UP. Every time I hear Netflix mentioned now it concerns bad customer service and customer frustrations. I (and many others) have been dealing with this for awhile, realizing no system is perfect, but lack of customer service has reached an all time low and has gone on long enough for customers to be active in trying to get what they are paying for or find another service. p.s. Why don't they offer Instant Viewing on the new releases if they are unable to acquire enough discs to supply their customers?
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Permalink Reply by The Professor on -
Diane, Netflix isn't a service for those who only want to watch new movies. You should probably cancel and move on. Complaining about it here will do you absolutely no good anyway. You aren't telling Netflix anything they don't already hear every day. This forum isn't really intended to be a complaint site for Netflix, we all just want to talk about movies. Besides, if you don't understand why new releases aren't authorized for instant watching, then there's little anyone here will be able to offer as a way of helping.
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Permalink Reply by Diane on
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THE Professor,
My reply was to a posting that asked if anyone was experiencing a specific customer service issue with Netflix. I have been, so I replied. I thought that's how this worked...???
If I'm "not telling Netflix anything they don't already hear every day", doesn't that tell them it is a big enough problem to maybe address and try to correct...if they care about providing their customers with the service they are taking our money for? Instead of using new layouts to hide new releases to reduce the number of requests for new releases... as I saw in another posting, a comment I've heard alot from Netflix customers...they have to go to another site to get information on new dvd releases.
This forum may not have been "intended to be a complaint site for Netflix", but customer complaints seem to be a lot of the postings on this site.
Are you speaking for Netflix when you say, "Netflix isn't a service for those who only want to watch new movies"? If that is their position, then they should make that clear in recruiting their customers, reject those customers and reduce their customer volume. Then maybe they could adequately provide the customer service they are accepting money to provide. If it had been made clear to me that I would have to wait a month or more for new releases, I would have looked elsewhere for the service I needed. But, I'm pretty sure the largest percentage of Netflix customers ARE interested in new movies. I will take your advice and cancel and move on and send this information to all to do the same. I appreciate your confirming that asking Netflix to work on this concern would "do me absolutely no good anyway".
Thank you again for your elite and superior knowledge of Netflix business. I'm sure they appreciate your service as 'Hall Monitor' for this site in helping them get rid of their customers that "don't understand" the movie rental business the way that you do. Since "there's little anyone here will be able to offer me as a way of helping", I'll go. Hey, you're not really a double agent for Blockbuster that encourages disgruntled customers to leave Netflix are you? Okay, I'm leaving....and I'm taking this thermos, that's all I need is this thermos...and this ashtray. And that's all I need...the thermos and the ashtray....and this lamp. That's all I need...the thermos, the ashtray, and the lamp...and this pen.......
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