Netflix, a popular provider of on-demand Internet streaming media, has now expanded globally to reach 130 new countries, including Singapore. Internet users in Singapore who had to resort to VPN services or DNS masquerading services in order to access Netflix content can now access Netflix directly, and thus have a simple straight-forward alternative StarHub TV and SingTel TV.
Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and Chief Executive, said “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network.” For a flat monthly fee, Netflix subscribers can enjoy buffet-style access to an extensive catalog of TV shows and movies, as well as Netflix original content.
In Singapore, Netflix offers a three tier subscription ranging from S$10.98 to S$16.98. The plans are as below:
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price after free month ends o 7 Feb | S$10.98 | S$13.98 | S$16.98 |
| HD quality | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra HD quality | No | No | Yes |
| Screens you can watch on at he same time | 1 | 2 | 4 |
There are no contracts. You can cancel at any time. You can watch Netflix content on any supported device, such as your TV, computer, smartphone or tablet, and you can watch an unlimited number of movies and shows.
You will, of course, need an active Internet connection to view Netflix content. Streaming quality is adjusted automatically depending on available bandwidth. Many titles, including Netflix original series and films, are available in HD with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound, and some in Ultra HD 4K.
Netflix allows you to create up to five user profiles, so that you can share your subscription plan with different members of your household, and have a separate profile for each one of them. The number of simultaneous views, however, depends on the subscription plan you’re on.
Netflix content available in Singapore may differ slightly from those in the U.S. due to licensing, distribution, and other restrictions, including no doubt censorship from our own Media Development Authority.
In the U.S., Netflix subscription costs US$7.99, US$9.99 and US$11.99 respectively. This means, surprisingly, that the prices in Singapore are lower than those in the U.S. If you’ve been a long-time Netflix subscriber, you’re likely paying US$7.99 right now for the Standard Plan, which means you’re better off just staying with your current subscription.
Today should have been a holiday, then we could all have a movie marathon day!
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