Netflix launches in Canada

EDMONTON – The pace of change in how Canadians watch movies and television shows picks up speed starting Wednesday as Netflix launches in Canada.

For the first time outside the United States, the best-known Internet movie subscription service allows viewers to watch “unlimited” TV shows and movies for $7.99 per month. Interested viewers can try it for free at http://www.netflix.ca during a one-month trial.

“With our launch today in Canada, Netflix is focused on adding meaningfully to the entertainment choices available to Canadian consumers,” said Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix.

While the service has been long-awaited in Canada, Netflix’s library doesn’t go head-to-head with cable TV or newly-released DVDs in offering the latest content. It also doesn’t carry sports.

But subscribers can choose from thousands of movies and TV shows including feature films, television series and kids’ programming.

The Netflix U.S. service of mailing DVDs to homes isn’t offered in Canada.

Choices are streamed to TVs and computers via a broadband Internet connection. It’s also available on Web-connected Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 – with downloadable or mailed add-ons – and later this fall, Xbox 360.

The Canadian Netflix will also be available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple TV when it launches later this year.

Over time, more devices are expected to be added, including Internet-enabled Blu-ray Disc players.