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Netflix

Irish Netflix users: you could be in for another price hike

The video on demand giant has seen record revenues after a successful jump in prices for US subscribers.

RECORD PROFITS FOR video-streaming service Netflix, despite price hikes for consumers, could pave the way for more fee increases in the future.

The on-demand giant saw a 36.9% increase in second quarter revenue to $1.34 billion, largely thanks to an increase in charges for subscribers, including new Irish customers.

According to analysts, the positive figures could encourage the US player to push prices up in countries where it has been active for a while – such as the UK and Ireland – as it seeks ways to fund growth in newer markets.

Market hopping

City Index Group chief market strategist Joshua Raymond said that the Netflix strategy is usually to land subscribers with price hikes after becoming established in a market.

“They need to establish themselves in particular regions, grow loyalty, then they go on price.”

“You could probably expect internationally that they may move (prices) up. Prices are only going to go one way.”

Trends bucked

He argued that previous price hikes have hurt the company’s profitability and share price, but that the strong second quarter figures could encourage Netflix to move prices up again in the future.

“Considering what happened (after previous increases) three years ago..it restores shareholder faith because it shows they have flexibility going forward.”

Nonetheless, any price increase before 2016 is unlikely given the company’s commitment to freeze prices until then.

On Netflix strategy, he said that the company will most likely move into France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland next, before targeting major Asian markets in coming years.

Major successes such as prison drama Orange Is The New Black are behind much of the company’s success, he said, often leading the marketing charge into new countries.

“You get a loyalty base built on hero projects like Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards, then they keep them rolling over new seasons.”

Edited 15.26

Read: Prison changes uniform because Orange Is The New Black made jumpsuits ‘cool’>

Read: A fake news site said Orange Is The New Black was cancelled, and fans got REALLY mad>

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70 Comments
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    Mute Redmond O'Hanlon
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:04 PM

    they would want to increase the volume and quality of the content if they are going to hike the price – the content here in Europe is not comparable to that in the US – the cost is.

    408
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    Mute Petra Madill
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:09 PM

    Bingo

    125
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    Mute Conor McK
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:10 PM

    Hola.org

    116
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    Mute Patrick Bateman
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:17 PM

    You said it Conor.. With hola I just watch Swedens or USA’s netflix, a lot more shows on them

    69
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    Mute Shaunagh Hickey
    Favourite Shaunagh Hickey
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:37 PM

    How does Hola work? Clueless about this kind of stuff

    27
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    Mute Wynner
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:46 PM

    You can download it as a chrome extension its very good

    22
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    Mute ciaran clarke
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 9:11 PM

    Agreed
    If we get the same volume and content the US gets I’ll pay.
    If not I’m cancelling

    19
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    Mute John Bradish
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 2:57 PM

    Showbox = Free

    200
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    Mute Timothy Gaythorpe
    Favourite Timothy Gaythorpe
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:00 PM

    Netflix should make a novel Irish show called In the red is the new black

    131
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    Mute Stacey Redmond
    Favourite Stacey Redmond
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:05 PM

    I love showbox, why anyone pays for netflicks is beyond me!

    91
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    Mute mitch connors
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:10 PM

    What is this showbox u speak of ??

    124
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    Mute Stacey Redmond
    Favourite Stacey Redmond
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:14 PM

    I have an android box you plug into your TV and watch anything for free. Showbox is one app but there are lots more like mobdro, navi-x, mash up etc. Once you have a high Internet speed your laughing

    78
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    Mute Bambi Keeling
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:17 PM

    Less people that know about it the better

    74
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    Mute Andrew Hickey
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:19 PM

    Stacey. How do my kids watch on their devices. Real Question.

    22
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    Mute Bobby
    Favourite Bobby
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:21 PM

    I couldn’t find showbox on google playstore.

    24
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    Mute Stacey Redmond
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:22 PM

    You’ve got me there Andrew! My toddler hasn’t developed past watching cartoons on tv yet…. but just guessing if they have an android device you could probably download showbox on it for them?

    26
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    Mute David Evans
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:24 PM

    Can someone elaborate on XBMC / Showbox, as far as I’m aware it’s just a little fancy software interface for Android (Xbox? PS3?. etc) that uses the resources of streaming sites?

    18
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    Mute Stacey Redmond
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:25 PM
    11
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    Mute Jason Behan
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:31 PM

    Bobby type it in google then download it to your phone

    14
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    Mute Bobby
    Favourite Bobby
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:34 PM

    I did, all the links I click on say this.

    Warning: Dangerous SiteWhoa!

    The link you clicked is taking you to: http://media-apps.cc/android/

    McAfee tested this site and found files that contain viruses, spyware, or other potentially unwanted programs.

    Read the site report

    Keep me safeVisit anyway

    15
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    Mute Ray rogers
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:41 PM

    Piratebay. That is all.

    39
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    Mute Chief
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:44 PM

    @David, Here’s the setup i have,
    Old pc connected to my tv, on the pc i have xbmc installed. http://xbmc.org/download/
    Once that is setup you can install plugins to improve xbmc
    If i were you because it’s a little complicated at time just try and install a plugin called mashup
    Instructions are here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA3rQLlS_Ws

    Or you could try dreamboxxbmcireland.com
    I honestly haven’t a clue how good those boxes are, i did own a much cheaper different brand box and it was brutal

    6
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    Mute mitch connors
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:55 PM

    StAcey , I’m useless when it comes to gadgets but we have an xbox to watch netflix , can I watch that showbox on xbox ?? Or do I need to buy. A smart tv ??

    4
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    Mute Stacey Redmond
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 4:11 PM

    @Mitch I know nothing about xbox I’m afraid but if you look up Smart tv Ireland on Facebook or adverts they are really helpful and sorted me out. I’m saving €90 a month since I cancelled my sky and spoilt for choice.

    12
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    Mute Denis
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:08 PM

    Showbox = Pirates
    Some people just prefer to go the legal route instead of robbing everything.

    52
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    Mute Keith Wizzy
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:22 PM

    Showbox is the biz. It’s known as MovieBox on IOS. Great app and simple layout. With that and XBMC, Fimon, TVCatchup on VPN etc you’ve a massive amount of movies, series and live TV available. I went from €90PM on UPC to just €25.50 a month for internet and landline. I’ve watched Orange is the New Black in HD which I couldn’t even get on Netflix when paying. NOW TV box is also another affordable option for $ky TV channels and their movie channels.

    8
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    Mute onlybuzzinwitcha
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:32 PM

    Orange is the New Black was always available in HD on Netflix.

    22
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    Mute Elaine Cassin
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 6:02 PM

    I have one of those Stacy they are brilliant..

    5
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    Mute Willie Gaughan
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 7:30 PM

    High internet speed?? What does it look like? 1 is the limit here in the stix.

    11
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    Mute Keith Wizzy
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 11:55 PM

    Nah onlybuzzin it’s much lowser quality on many devices.

    1
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    Mute Rodger 5
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 2:58 PM

    Close your account’s & go for a cycle.

    86
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    Mute Daniel Murray
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:09 PM

    Had a nice spin today, nothing better than a warm breeze on a bike.

    28
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    Mute Inanimate Carbon Rod
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:37 PM

    Just had a cycle myself and cancelled my Netflix account earlier this year so I’m quids in here

    21
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    Mute Keith Wizzy
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:24 PM

    I was supposed to do a cycle today but am boloxed after servicing it and attaching a few bits n pieces. Tomorrow….

    7
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    Mute crookshank
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:01 PM

    Rubbish selection of titles on netflix

    80
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    Mute David Evans
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:05 PM

    Get access to the US Netflix, much broader selection available on that.

    50
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    Mute Ariana
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:27 PM

    I quite like the Canadian selection as well.

    17
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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:31 PM

    I have to diisagree – I think its pretty good.
    Their own developed content is really good and there are enough TV shows and movies to suit my tastes.
    I recommend:
    House of Cards
    Orange is the new Black
    Breaking Bad
    Always Sunny in Philadelphia
    Arrested Development

    My son watches Dr Who and Sherlock reruns
    My daughter watches any old putrid American teen girl shiite and there seems to be an endless catalogue of that.

    So its probably the best value service I pay for in my household.

    29
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    Mute Anthony Finegan
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:50 PM

    The tv show selection isn’t bad for the price. It’s funny that people complain about the selection for a low price yet others are advocating illegal access to content. I reckon that it’s better to support these kind of services so that they can expand their offering at a fraction of the price of cable/sat and everyone can benefit.

    33
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    Mute Debbie O'C
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:04 PM

    If the price goes up, I’ll cancel my subscription. Apart from a few series, there’s not much I’d miss.

    76
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    Mute David McDonnell
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:26 PM

    Same here, find myself sifting through so many bad films until I decide to watch one I’ve seen a hundred times before

    57
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    Mute Bobby
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:40 PM

    Then it really isn’t worth having. Don’t waste your time or money.

    34
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    Mute Pinel G
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:09 PM

    Wait a second… Netflix already put up the prices at the start of the year from €6.99 to €7.99… 36.9% increase in second quarter revenue and they wanna rise it again? if you already payed 6.99 before the price change. you only pay the 6.99 until the end of the year. new users will pay the 7.99. So Netflix will properly keep rising the prices till it goes to like €10. tho the selection is not worth the price hike compared to the selection that US Netflix has.

    72
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    Mute Max Power
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:24 PM

    You can watch all regions of Netflix with a unblock-us.com account. Costs €3 per month. The Irish /uk selection is as weak as can be. Canada, Brazil, USA and a few others are absolutely amazing.

    24
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    Mute Pinel G
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:33 PM

    ohh im well aware of that Max, hola.org does the trick. tho using a playstation or xbox it gets a lil tricky

    19
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    Mute Damo™
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:33 PM

    Or just change the DNS settings and watch any region for free….

    39
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    Mute Seán Kearns
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:33 PM

    If you’re using Google Chrome. You can get an add on called Hola. It lets you access the US netflix or if you’re abroad, you can get onyo RTE player.

    24
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    Mute Max Power
    Favourite Max Power
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:36 PM

    Pinel G- all I have at the moment is a WD box so the unblock-us is a must for now. If there is better I’d take it. Don have an Xbox or play station

    4
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    Mute fergal barry
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:34 PM

    http://m.ebay.ie/itm/291197220180?nav=SEARCH
    I’d highly recommend this.. I have it and watch whatever I want for free.. It only shows up as streaming, not downloading so you can’t get in bother with your isp.

    2
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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:22 PM

    I think I’m paying €7 a month which quite frankly is not a lot (and I don’t mean to disrespect anyone struggling to the extent of single euros per month).
    People complain about the content but ITS ONLY 7 BLEEDIN EUROS!
    Thats 23 cents per day or a (Dublin) pint and a half of stout per month.

    I remember when it first came out I couldn’t believe how cheap it was. Its not cinema but there is more than enough decent content to justify the price and much more in my view.

    So I’ll carry on paying 2 FLIPPIN EUROS A WEEK!!!

    62
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    Mute Petra Madill
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:40 PM

    It’s great value but I get the impression that people feel it might not be worth it if it keeps going up in price – if selection stays as is

    25
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    Mute onlybuzzinwitcha
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:38 PM

    Sign up now and save yourself from price increases. I’ve had it since launch and I still pay the original 6.99. I’ve even cancelled it for a month or two to wait for new content and the price hasn’t changed for me. Well worth it in my opinion.

    6
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    Mute Petra Madill
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 6:25 PM

    It will cost us 7.99 after this year (there was an email) as original subscribers they gave us a grace period. But it will go up. I wonder how other price increases will affect the grace period (if at all)

    2
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    Mute Brian O'Sullivan
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:01 PM

    They already had a price increase this year, and had one last year as well.

    40
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    Mute Petra Madill
    Favourite Petra Madill
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:06 PM

    Yeah they’d want to be careful not to price themselves out of the market. The Irish selection isn’t stellar yet and the selection with subtitles is dire.
    The US have a much more established market

    50
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    Mute Rory Murphy
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:02 PM

    Get an android TV stick…load XBMC on it and volia…free movies,TV shows etc.

    22
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    Mute James p f
    Favourite James p f
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:22 PM

    Couchtuner free

    9
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    Mute Derek Boyle
    Favourite Derek Boyle
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:24 PM

    Netflix has already upped the price over here and also put additional restrictions on it, former 6.99 price allowed 2 screens and full HD, new price of 7.99 is only 1 screen with no HD or 11.99 plan which is 4 screens with HD.

    At the moment if you are on there 6.99 price plan they wont change the price until 2016, if you terminate your current 6.99 account you will have to pay the new price to rer subscribe.

    8
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    Mute That's all folk's
    Favourite That's all folk's
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 3:20 PM

    Jail break an iPhone and ger everything though Apple TV

    8
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    Mute NoNeed4cryptoGreed
    Favourite NoNeed4cryptoGreed
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 4:25 PM

    xbmc is your friend.

    7
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    Mute juicy pants
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 4:15 PM

    If you’re iPhone is cracked download the movie box app it’s brilliant. Way better selection than Netflix and if they don’t have what you’re looking for you just send them the imdb link and they’ll put it up for you.

    6
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    Mute Luke Pepper
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:14 PM

    Don’t know why anyone would pay for this when most of the big shows are readily available on torrent and P2P sites…

    5
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    Mute Gagsy 99
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 6:49 PM

    legally or pirated?

    3
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    Mute Shimo
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 7:25 PM

    Satellite for lidl, job done, spend more time online anyway

    3
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    Mute Pamella
    Favourite Pamella
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 11:07 PM

    Just joined Netflix, first month free:)

    02 broadband allowance ran over by 14Kb cost €286:(

    2
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    Mute Mellers
    Favourite Mellers
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 10:25 PM

    Netflix just constantly freezes / skips on my laptop. Definitely going to cancel subscription.

    2
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    Mute Carlin Ite
    Favourite Carlin Ite
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 9:24 PM

    I like Netflix but they would seriously want yo increase quantity before doing that. The new release section is gathering dust at the moment.

    2
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    Mute Robert Lester
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:49 PM

    Just change your IP address register in the us get more programmes at a cheaper price! Simples

    2
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    Mute Sean Smyth
    Favourite Sean Smyth
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 7:37 PM

    Just google showbox apk and download it. I prefer netflix though because it is compatible with chromecast.

    1
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    Mute Ciaran B Meagher
    Favourite Ciaran B Meagher
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    Jul 22nd 2014, 5:46 PM

    I use unblock-us and can access all Netflix regions – it also works on my Roku box.

    1
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