It should be news to no one that Netflix is currently a major player in home entertainment. They provide 61% of streaming video on the Internet and are the largest pay-video source in the United States. Equally familiar news should be the fact that there is currently no truly formidable opponent for the red letter company.
But a challenger approaches. Several in fact. Companies like Amazon, Hulu, Redbox, Best Buy, DishNet, Wal-Mart are all taking a stab taking down the reigning champ. Their main course of action: clone the Netflix model and try to toss in a new feature or two. Take for example Amazon subscription model that comes with free shipping on the purchase of physical items.
Now DirectTV is jumping into the mix and for the first time there is a sense of innovation. 
According to Hacking Netflix the satellite TV provider seems to be following closely in Netflix’s footsteps, but the twist is that its streaming service will be provided in tandem with a traditional television subscription. [click to continue…]
