Netflix looks to lead digital downloads
As company advertises software engineer openings
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 2/2/2006
FEB. 2 | Netflix appears to be staffing up for its movie download service. The company’s Web site is advertising software engineer openings for an electronic delivery service.
According to the ad, Netflix is looking for engineers with experience “delivering high-quality consumer electronics such as PVR, DVD or STB products to the home market.”
The company postponed the launch of its movie download service last year, saying there wasn’t enough content available to offer consumers because of licensing deals with Starz! and HBO that can lock up movies for a decade.
However, at its earnings call last week, the company said it plans to be a leader in the digital movie download space and would spend between $5 million and $10 million this year on developing technology for downloads. No timeframe was given for when it would launch downloads.
Apple iTunes and Google have already launched video download services, stocked primarily with TV shows, and Amazon.com is expected to launch its own digital movie download service this spring.
