Category Archives: FAQ

What is Netflix?

Netflix is an online service that let’s you rent DVDs or stream movies instantly over the internet. Like to watch movies or TV shows? Whether you’re on the internet or just have a normal DVD player, Netflix can get movies directly to your door. Remember Blockbuster or your local video rental store? Well, Netflix is basically the modern day version of your local movie rental shop, just that instead of renting by the movie, you pay a monthly subscription for the service. Now that Blockbuster is out of business, Netflix has seem a number of competitors join them, ranging from TV Anywhere to RedBox.

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. The two founders grew Netflix from a small pay-per-rental DVD company to a media monolith and force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. The company offers two primary services: DVD by mail and streaming. DVD by mail is a strong business for Netflix but is wholly separate from their streaming business. The DVD business even has a completely separate headquarters from the rest of the Los Gatos, CA company. The streaming business is the future in the eyes of Netflix but they’ve been stung by fierce competition with companies like RedBox, Hulu, YouTube, and even Amazon.com.

Any questions about what Netflix is? Feel free to comment in our section below!

How does Netflix work? A lot of people are sometimes confused about what Netflix is and how it works. Netflix has over 20 million subscriber of their online movie service, but there is confusion over the two versions of Netflix.

The first version of Netflix is their online DVD rental service. This is very straightforward and easy to understand. For only about $10 bucks a month you can get as many DVDs by mail as you want. Of course you have to return the DVDs and can’t check them out until you’ve returned the last one. Netflix by mail is basically like going to a library, but they have thousands more movies and you don’t have to wait three weeks like you do at the library.

Netflix’s other business is more difficult to understand how it works. For only about $8 bucks a month you can instantly watch as many TV episodes and movies as you want from your computer, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, or any other device like Roku. Setting up Netflix is very easy–you can just call their tech support like to better understand how to set up Netflix streaming or instant viewing. One important thing to note about Netflix streaming is that you’ll need an internet connection that is reasonably fast.  If you have dial-up internet you should stick with Netflix by mail and just get the DVDs, you’ll be much happier.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Netflix service. Instead of calling into their support line, take a look at these questions and you may be able to solve your problem. These questions have the highest incidence at Netflix call centers around the country. If you have more questions, please add them to the comments section.

Q: How do I watch instantly on my TV with a Netflix-ready device?
A: A Netflix-ready device allows you to watch movies instantly on your TV. A growing list of Netflix-ready devices are available, including offerings from Microsoft XBox, Roku, Samsung, LG Electronics and Tivo.

Q: Where do I find movies to watch instantly?
A: Click the “Watch Instantly” tab at the top of the Netflix site to find movies and television episodes available to watch instantly. Or search for titles to watch instantly by clicking the Watch Instantly tab, then typing a movie name into the search box at the top right of the Netflix page. Click here to go to the Watch Instantly home page.

Q: How do I use a gift?
A: Simply click on Gifts: Buy/Redeem at the bottom of any page. Now follow the easy step-by-step instructions.

Q: I lost or damaged the white sleeve and/or the red prepaid return envelope. How do I return the DVD?
A: Lost or damaged the white sleeve for a disc? Put that disc in the white sleeve of another Netflix disc and return both discs in one of our red prepaid return mailers. If you’re on a 1-out-at-a-time plan, just return the disc without the white sleeve in the red return mailer. The red mailer includes a special barcode that we can use to associate this returned disc with your Netflix account. Lost or damaged the red prepaid return mailer? Just place up to two discs in another Netflix red prepaid return mailer. If you’re on a 1-out-at-a-time plan or can’t locate any red return mailers, please send the DVD back to us inside its white sleeve — in your own return envelope with sufficient postage — to the address listed below. The white sleeve includes a special barcode that we can use to associate this returned disc with your Netflix account. Lost or damaged both the white sleeve and the red prepaid return mailer? Return the disc in your own return envelope and include a note with your Netflix account email address, and sufficient postage, to the address listed below. We will need your account email address to associate this returned disc with your Netflix account.