As of December 2010, you can receive a month of service through Netflix for free. This trial subscription is ideal if you are interested in trying Netflix but not ready to make a commitment. Your month of service includes unlimited instant streaming of TV shows and movies through your TV or computer. Instant streaming allows you to watch movies and shows without needing a DVD copy. According to the plan you select to try, you also receive unlimited DVDs by mail. Cancel before the trial expires and you pay nothing. To cancel, you must go to the Netflix website, and follow the instructions listed on your account. This must be your first time becoming a member of Netflix to receive the trial subscription.
Subscription plans for Netflix range from instant streaming only to unlimited streaming along with renting eight DVDs at a time. Choose a plan that meets your rental needs. If you plan to use the instant streaming feature, you need special equipment. Examples of equipment that will stream Netflix videos include gaming consoles, HDTVs, Blu-ray home theater systems, DVRs and mobile devices, such as the iPad and iPhone. The titles available through instant streaming are limited compared to the number of DVD titles offered by Netflix. Starz Play is the program providing instant titles and there are approximately 1,000 titles available, in comparison to the 90,000 movie and TV show DVD titles Netflix states are available by mail. Netflix has at least 100 distribution centers with at least one location in almost every U.S. state. The company claims that 97 percent of customers wait only one day between mailing and receiving DVDs. Change your plan at any time via the Internet. If you are planning to be out of town, put your subscription on hold without losing your list of requested rentals, or queue. A hold can last up to 90 days, and you will not be charged during this time.
Use your Netflix membership in order to learn about a new subject, hobby or health issue. Rent educational films produced by National Geographic featuring foreign countries, historical events or scientific research. If you are interested in child development through video, find titles on potty training, musical instruments or learning how to read. Use Netflix rentals in conjunction with educational curriculum if you are homeschooling your child. Watch movies to learn more about sign language, religious beliefs or a new exercise routine. With almost any movie or TV program ever recorded available through Netflix, chances are you can find a title in your area of interest.