Netflix removing "Add to DVD Queue" option from streaming apps

Netflix removing “Add to DVD Queue” option from streaming apps

January 18, 2011 | by Andrew Kameka

Netflix was the second most disappointing app when I first connected my Google TV, but I was eventually pleased to see an update that completely refreshed the user interface of the Netflix for GTV app. Sadly, the company is set to send-out another update that will make me hate the app all over again.

The official Netflix blog announced that all streaming apps will remove the ability to add to DVD queues from the app. The (nonsensical) reason for this is because Netflix thinks managing DVD queues anywhere other than Netflix.com is too complicated and distracts from the streaming experience. So instead of pressing two buttons for a simple way to add items to your watch list, it will be easier to spend 15 minutes going to a computer, searching, and adding to the list there.

Is Netflix taking this course because the current set-up remind customers just how limited the streaming service can be? I recently discovered a quirky British comedy named The IT Crowd that I loved and attempted to watch in its entirety. But for some strange reason, I had to skip a season because it’s available on DVD only. Rather than pressing one button to add it to my queue like I did this Sunday, I have to go to my computer to search for and manage it. This is more annoying than the 2-4 day wait period it takes for the DVD to arrive at my house. (edit: or exit the Netflix app, go into Chrome, and then return to Netflix.)

Netflix has been the brightest star in my Google TV galaxy and I hope the company recognizes that this is a bad move. More than 300 comments have been left on the blog post announcing this change. Let you’re opposition or support for this move be known on the Netflix blog.

commentary, Google TV, Google TV apps, netflix

12 Comments

Layla said: On January 18, 2011

15 minutes? Wow, you need a netbook next to your recliner.

Cable Killer said: On January 18, 2011

BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I thought Netflix was about giving the consumer of today options. EPIC FAIL! Especially for those of us using the already struggling Google TV.

@theprawn said: On January 18, 2011

I'm guessing this has more to do with the fact that you can now get a plan that is streaming-only and by freeing up resources, they mean not have to bother enabling that 'add to queue' on a per-user basis, respective to their account plan.

The reason they gave sounds like nonsense.

- Wraith404 said: On January 18, 2011
  
  Too bad most of the streaming movies are from 1984.
  
Shawn said: On January 18, 2011

If you have Google TV, as I do also, you don't need to leave Google TV to find your computer, just open your Chrome browser and go to netflix.com.

AndrewKam said: On January 18, 2011

yeah, but then you have to log-out of the Netflix app, go to the browser, and re-load the Netflix app. It's ridiculously uncessary when someone can currently press TWO buttons and achieve the same task.

Young Intelligence said: On January 18, 2011

The company is reshaping itself from a DVD-rental company to a purely streaming company. This sort of makes sense from a business and management perspective. But do I agree with it as a consumer? Heck no!
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- Young Intelligence said: On January 18, 2011
  
  I hope this won't affect other apps such as Flixster that allows users to manage both their DVD and instant queues.
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David Williams said: On January 18, 2011

I just want to say I hope you get to see the entire IT Crowd series. Especially seasons 2 and 3, they make me cough I laugh so hard sometimes!

mobuksh said: On January 18, 2011

Wow that page has well over 800 comments now and maybe about 1% are happy with this decision LOL

And IT Crowd is a freakin awesome show Yes Season 2 and 3 are fantastic, Season 4… yeah ok, not terrible, just not brilliant – except the Sea Parks episode – genius!

Robert said: On January 21, 2011

I think this is a terrible idea. Since gettting an ipad I never use my laptop for websurfing so if I cannot manage the dvd from my ipad I might as well manage my redbox from there and drop netfix.

Chris Quinn said: On July 11, 2011

When is Netflix going to stop worrying about Netflix and start worrying about it's customers. It seems everything they do is to make the customer experience worst. This makes me consider switching to Hulu Plus…but I haven't done it yet.
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