Having pulled trigger on both formats I was wondering if anyone here has experience with hi-def both formats) from NETFLIX.

It seems that this would be a worthwhile subscription. Opinions solicited. Thanks

I know it's not exactly what you asked, but I've been a long time member of Netflix and find it to be a very worthwhile service. Will never go back to renting through brick and mortar stores.

I currently am on the 3 movies at a time plan and don't usually have too many issues getting first run movies.

Although the big draw is the comprehensive library to rent from as well.

Since there is no "HD" plan with them, you would pay the same as anyone else does (it's like $16 a month for 3 movies at a time) and just put movies in your queue from either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD genre (that's how you browse for them).

Yup, I rejoined Netflix a couple months ago with the exclusive intention of renting HD DVD discs. No different than renting SD DVDs. Some titles come immediately, the more popular new releases have long waits. But there have been plenty of titles available, so I always have a new HD DVD in the house these days.

Thanks Bloggingitguy.

I called them about HD/Blu. They said I could specify these as priority. Hopefully we were both speaking the same language.

I signed up for Netflix after getting an HD-DVD player last December and couldn't be happier. Four movies a month and the vast majority have been HD.

--Chuck

Thanks to all who responded so quickly. While writing my response to bloggingitguy the others were posted. Thanks again

I'll add my positive vote for Netflix with HD discs. Most of what I've played on my HD-A2 has come via Netflix, and there are now some Blu-ray discs in my queue as well. The interface for setting a priority and for adjusting on a case-by-case basis is very simple.

Just to add a different opinion, I joined the Blockbuster program. I get 3 movies at a time for about $15/month. But in addition, I can go to any of the stores and return a "mail-in movie" for an "in store" movie 5 times a month. I really do like that feature quite a bit. So far they have had a very good selection of Blu discs. I can't speak to the HD-DVD selection as I don't have a player for it. The other thing I really like about the Blockbuster program is if I return a movie in the store during the day(i.e. not late at night) I get the replacement movie the next day in the mail. If I mail it in on Monday, I get one back on Wednesday. My quick turn around might be that I live in a city that the distribution center is in, but for me that is a plus!

Sounds like a good arrangement. I wish we had a BB store nearby.
Closest one is 160 miles, in the closest large city.

Right now, you can buy a lot of standard def' DVDs for at or near the price of rental. That's just not the case with the high def' formats, which run $25 - $35 per title. And like you, I'm not convenient to a Blockbuster (though I am closer than 160 miles )

That makes the mail-based services like Netflix very attractive. Frankly, I can't see doing it any other way until Blu Ray and HD DVD lower the prices substantially.

I am really NEW to Hi Def players.

Question about HD DVD and bars.
I have a Toshiba A30. Just came today with movies 300 and Bourne. Bars above and below. Set the settings to 1080p.

So.......should I expect that when I get my firmware disc it will fill the screen? The tech support guy said it might be because some movies might not have been made in exactly the 16:9.

Responses appreciated. TIA

That's normal. Most movies are not filmed at 16:9 so you will have bars at top and bottom of screen.

I recently bought a Blu-Ray player and was all set to sign up with Netflix, when I noticed that my local Hollywood Video is now carrying Blu Ray (and HD DVD) rentals; I had talked to them about three weeks ago, and they said, "no, they weren't going to carry Blu-Ray for a while"....so I was on the Hollywood Video website and did a search, and sure enough this morning the local store (plus a few other area stores)was listed as a Blu-Ray source for rental. I stopped by, and there was quite a good selection of both HD formats.....the store people indicated that they have been receiving increasing amounts of both formats from corporate. I think this trend bodes well for the future store rental services.