Wii and Netflix

I love my Wii! I'm not very good at archery or golf, but I'm a darned good living-room bowler with both hands. When the kids come to visit, it's something we can all do together that doesn't involve drinking too much or sitting around talking.

Netflix and I have had an off-again, on-again relationship because of the delivery method of the movies. It either costs more than it's worth to get several at a time, or it takes too long getting one at a time. Also, there aren't that many movies, new or old, worth seeing any more.

BUT

Now Netflix delivers instantly, not just for my PC, but also through my Wii!

And the best part about it is that television shows are also available. For instance, I had never watched LOST, and I was able to see all five of the seasons at my leisure. I'll admit that now that the sixth and final season has been released, there's a waiting list to get the DVDs.

You see, some television shows and movies (under this streaming system) are available to view instantly, and some are available only on DVD. Now my Netflix account has two queues, one for DVDs on order and one for watching instantly.

The system works very well and costs only $8.99 per month ($9.72 including the tax where I live). That's for one DVD mailer at a time and as many as you want to watch on the PC or Wii.

Right now, I'm being a glutton for BBC TV mini-series (all the Dickens I never read and the Bronte Sisters) and mysteries (Inspector Lynley, Wire in the Blood, A Touch of Frost.)

The only down side is that not every show or movie I want to see is available, and it is uncertain how Netflix and Wii will negotiate going forward. Once I've seen all I wish to see, I'll be on my way. I hope new/old items will become available, because I believe this is a good deal.

For now, however, I'm thrilled to be a part of this new method of delivering entertainment-on-a-budget straight into my house. I recommend it.