Is all Netflix content available in HD?

As far as I know.. The answer is NO... Only some titles were HD. I was a Netflix user for 3 years until the price increase. Although I may switch back for the convenince of streaming. (no dvd rental)

It depends if you are referring to the disc delivery service or the streaming service.

For disc delivery service, just about all new movies are available in Blu-Ray format and hence 1080p HD. Older movies on disc may only be available on DVD and 480i/p.

For streaming service, the content is a mixed bag of HD & SD. Realize, also, the streaming service typically does not offer new movie releases.

I've been a satisfied Netflix subscriber for over 6 years and added streaming when it became available a few years ago. The streaming content available from Netflix has only gotten better in the last few years, particularly for TV series.

I too forgo all of the movie channels on my local cable service and use Netflix disc/streaming & Amazon streaming services for all my movie watching.

You currently have the best device for Netflix streaming, along with the Roku 2 boxes. 1080p, 5.1 sound if it's available on the title.

Most other devices are limited to 720p or stereo (or both.)


There is no set schedule like that, and it isn't tied to the DVDs. It all depends on the rights negotiated by Netflix and the content providers. Also, not everything stays available as streaming.

I hate to tell you this, but it's catch as catch can. If you must have new releases in HD, look elsewhere, like VUDU.

I see.

Then your chances are better, but it's still tough to say. Try using Instantwatcher.com to see if what you want is there. It tells you whether HD is available.

VUDU has purportedly the most content in HD, and a fair mix of new and old. It's pay as you go, no fees to sign up. Its prices are higher than most (up to $6), but they give you a free movie rental to sign up, have lots of 99 cent and $2 deals, and are a good way to supplement Netflix.

Amazon also carries streaming. If you're a Prime member, it's included.

Agreed ... if a user is looking for full HD streaming new releases, they will pay significantly more $$$$ than the relatively cheap $8 unlimited Netflix service.

Amazon on-demand typically has all new releases available for immediate streaming but at $4 to $5 per movie. Vudu is another service that offers new releases but again for more $$$$ than a monthly flat rate.

The reality is new content cost $$$$ and no service is currently giving it away for free (or $8/month).

Netflix must buy streaming rights for all titles available in the streaming catalog, and the studios do not make those available on everything that they release on dvd. While Instant Watch is no different than a pay tv channel-streaming delivery aside, the major studios have adopted an antagonistic approach to the service and are treating it differently than they treat HBO, Showtime, et al. Another issue, is that those pay channels have been buying up streaming licenses to new, recent and popular hit and classics, which prevents NF from getting hold of them. They do have a deal with the Epix pay channel, where they've gained access to recent hits and other movies that Epix has licensed (Ironman 2, Captain American later this year).
So as mentioned, you won't see as many big hits from the last year as you'd like. But there is still, IMO, plenty there to enjoy. It all depends on you.

SD on Netflix is completely different than SD on DirecTV (think DVD quality versus Etch-A-Sketch). I find most of it quite watchable. I refuse to watch SD on DirecTV it looks so bad. If PQ is your main concern, I don't think you'll be disappointed, even if some of the older stuff is still SD.

And you have a month to try it.

^^There is an HD tab at instantwatcher, that brings up all available HD titles...

Non subscribers searching the Netflix site, any title you search for will list it's availability options...if there's no streaming listed beside the disc options, then it's not a title that is on Instant Watch.