Netflix originally added online movies as a bonus to using its DVD rental service, but now the online movies and DVDs have been split into two separate websites. The DVD rental service gives you a larger selection with more recent movies than the online streaming service. If you prefer, you can rent Blu-ray discs through the DVD rental service. If you are interested in watching television series, the online service is the better choice, because Netflix pursues exclusive television content and develops its own original content. Netflix offers all new customers a one-month free trial to either service.
According to Netflix, there are more than 38 million members in 40 different countries watching more than one billion hours per month. Millions of these members use the online streaming service. To start your membership, go to Netflix.com and click "Start Your Free Month." Fill out your name, email address and the password that you want to use for Netflix and click "Register" to continue the process. Netflix asks you for billing information to continue the service after the free trial. Follow the instructions to get instant access to thousands of available titles.
If you chose to watch Netflix online, you can watch your movies on your computer and on multiple other devices. Both Android and iOS mobile devices have Netflix apps available for download. Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 all have Netflix apps available. You might even have Netflix on your DVD player, Blu-ray player, Internet-enabled television or other Internet-enabled device; the owner's manual should give you additional information about the device's Internet capabilities.
If you would rather use the DVD mail service, the signup process is similar. The DVD service has a different website (see link in resources) and does not have the "Start Your Free Month" button. Instead, under "Start Your Free DVD Trial" you enter your email address and the password that you want to use for Netflix and then click "Continue." You have the option to choose how many rentals that you want to have sent to you. There is an additional fee after the first disc, and the maximum number of discs that you can have at one time is eight. Follow the instructions and fill out the necessary billing information to start your membership.
After you become a member, you choose which movies or television series you want to receive by finding the movie and then clicking "Add to Queue." The queue is a list of titles that you want mailed to you. You receive the disc in a prepaid envelope that you can seal and sent back to Netflix for no additional charge when you are through with the disc. After Netflix receives the disc, the company mails the next one on your queue. Travel time each way is one business day according to Netflix.
If you are dissatisfied with the trial, cancel within the first month before the automatic billing starts. If you forget, call customer service to cancel. The free trial is only for new members, not returning customers. You need a high-speed Internet connection for the best online watching experience.