Innovation is the key to any business, especially the media business. Several years ago, Netflix came up with the simple idea of distributing DVDs in the mail — pay a subscription fee to get as many DVDs as you like.
However, they haven’t stopped innovating. As of this writing, Netflix distributes content via TiVo, XBOX 360, Roku, and a few other set-top boxes. Broadcast and cable networks have always made TV shows available via DVDs to Netflix subscribers. However, ABC recently started streaming past-seasons of popular shows, such as Lost via Netflix’s ‘Watch Instatnly’ service.
While this is great for subscribers, it also places Netflix on the forefront of digital innovation. If rumors about Netflix being available on the iPhone are true, it could single handedly become the most innovative media service — offering content across nearly all mediums.
It’ll be interested to observe Netflix closely, especially as consumers increase viewership on web-enabled devices.
