Sarandos states “when we launch in a territory the Bittorrent traffic drops as the Netflix traffic grows” which is certainly interesting in times when online piracy is becoming more and more under scrutiny.
He also states: “I think people do want a great experience and they want access – people are mostly honest.”
“The best way to combat piracy isn’t legislatively or criminally but by giving good options”
This raises a great point in the answer to piracy that everyone has been requesting; if there was a service that allowed people to access content as easily online as they do via illegal services, people would pay for it. A large amount of piracy websites actually function on a monthly subscription basis but offer complete and unrestricted content to customers but of course, with many risks involved.
So it makes sense for a service like Netflix, which could act in a legitimate fashion, to reduce piracy when its service becomes available in a new region, and for once someone involved in online streaming is speaking about the benefits of a better service.
In a time where more an more content is freely available to watch online, it’s getting harder to see how the old distribution systems of TV and film studios are fitting in with modern culture.
The interview also has some great chats about exclusive and new content to Netflix and Ted Sarandos gives his views on the possibility of resurrecting more cult series like it has done with Arrested Development. Classic shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly and Jericho are all discussed to different visions.
Let us know you thoughts on piracy vs restricted content in the comments below.