How is Netflix’s new Watch Now service? So far so good. I really wish those critics that have written about it actually tried it out a little instead of projecting what they thing about it before even trying it. What is the point? The only experts here are those that have actually tried it out. Anyway, here are my notes on the service thus far:

1. movie selection is limited, but obviously more to come soon

2. I cannot get it to detect anything better than good, even though speed tests to San Francisco peg me at 4.5mpbs.

3. really hope they integrate the same queue concept for Watch Now. Would be nice to queue up movies for online viewing.

4. Along the lines of #3, above, the organization of the movies for sorting and searching is weak.

5. quality of the stream on basic is marginal, definitely artifacts and pixelation occuring, however on the “good” setting the quality is really good. I have my PC hooked up to a 42″ HD plasma and the picture is great. Some movies are in widescreen. No 5.1 surround sound, not sure they can ever accomplish that with streaming though.

6. overall it is terrific. I am on the 4-at-a-time plan, so having another 24 hours of viewing is really cool. Very psyched with this so far.

7. one thing that is annoying is the DRM license that you have to accept everytime you want to watch a movie. I am already signed in, why do I have to do this everytime I want to watch a movie?

4 stars!