Thanks, I did hear a little about their tactics trying to slow down heavy renters. So you're saying that they could delay acknowledging the returned video so they wont have to send out the next. OK.
I think Netflix is great, just pointing out the cons with the pros. Must of their plans are X discs at a time, "unlimited" rentals. But, if you read the fine print, they say they "prioritize" shipments based on . . .[a lot of stuff] but including member usage. The biggest expense for Netflix in the round trip postage (your disc includes a Biz Reply Envelope), so the longer you keep a disc (never a late fee!), the lower the cost for them. My 2+ years' experience with them if you average 1 week per disc, your service if very prompt. The USPS is very efficient these days - even when the nearest Netflix center was in Phoenix (150 miles away, now they have one in Tucson, 30 miles away), when I dropped a Netflix disc in mailbox before mail delivery, Netflix acknowledged receipt the next morning - when I first started. But then when I would get a movie in the mail, watch it, and drop it in the mail the next morning, it suddenly takes 2 days to be acknowledged.
Then they say they are sending out your next chosen movie from a center farther away but not really? Or are they really are sending it from farther away? But what's the advantage for them to do that?
Well, I can't verify where the movie is actually shipped from (Biz pre-paid envelop, no postmark), but from my Tucson center the pre-paid biz reply return envelop always has Tucson as the return address. When they say they're shipping it from Wooster Mass or Cleveland OH, the return address is always the center they say they ship it from.
Why? The 1st Class postage is the same if you mail a letter to your next door neighbor, or from Florida to Alaska. But the delivery time is different.
They could be trying to distribute inventory based on local demand, but i suspect the reason is to slow you down if you're a little too aggressive with that "unlimited" part of your subscription.
What is the turn around time is it to receive a HD DVD from them?
You never know your closest distribution center until you join - they have no list. But, if you live in or near a major city, it should be a day or two. Folks in Minot, ND, may have a slightly longer turn around.
I like Netflix, and will continue to be a satisfied customer. Rentals average $3-4 each, based on # at a time & turnaround. Less than B&M rental stores, not a penny for gas, and much more convenient.