Netflix, the highly anticipated subscription video on demand service, has brought forward its Australian release date by a week to take on local competitors Stan and Presto.
According to two Tech Guide sources, Netflix’s original release date was scheduled for March 31.
But that date was brought back by a week for Australian and New Zealand viewers to March 24.
Pricing will officially be announced at the time of launch but Tech Guide has learned the three-tier pricing structure will be $9.99 for single stream standard definition plan, $11.99 for a two-stream high definition plan and $14.99 for a four-stream 4K Ultra High Definition family plan.
Customers will be able to access Netflix on mobile devices and smart TVs as well as on Microsoft’s Xbox One console.
From launch the Netflix app will be available on smart TVs manufactured by Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic and HiSense as well as on Fetch TV’s second generation set-top box.
iiNet has announced its customers accessing Netflix through its Fetch TV set-top box will have enjoy unmetered data usage of the service.
From launch viewers will be able to enjoy content like all three seasons of House of Cards and a healthy library of movies and TV shows.
There will also be Netflix original series including Marco Polo, the dramatic thriller Sense8; Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Marvel’s Daredevil; DreamWorks Animation’s The Adventures of Puss in Boots and All Hail King Julien, and the Academy Award-nominated documentary Virunga.
Netflix members will also have access to content from many of the world’s leading distributors including Roadshow Entertainment, Beyond Distribution, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and The Walt Disney Company.
“Many Aussies and Kiwis have heard a lot about Netflix over the years, and we’re excited they’ll get to experience our unique blend of Netflix original content, local series and films, and popular movies and TV shows from around the world, all for a low monthly price,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and chief executive officer.
From launch, customers can purchase Netflix gift cards in denominations of $20, $30 and $50 at participating Australian retailers including Woolworths, Coles, Big W, 7-Eleven, Australia Post and Officeworks.
