Yes Reggie, Wii Netflix Without HD is a Problem

15.01.2010
Dear Nintendo, while I respect your president Reggie Fils-Aime's decision to shrug off the Wii's inability to do high-definition video as "no loss" , I'm not sure you're taking the long view.

And if recent HD usage survey results are accurate, you probably should be.

According to , 43 percent of people "watch HD programs every day," up from just 26 percent in 2007. That's a 65 percent increase in two years, significant enough to lead Knowledge Networks' president to note "This sends a message to advertisers that HD is becoming the new norm for those with HD access across all program types."

People apparently--and increasingly--want high-definition content. And you know what? Yes, only part of Netflix's total catalog may be HD-ready today, but what...you think Netflix plans to wait for the Wii to catch up with an HD part? Care to wager how much Netflix's HD library is going to grow in 2010 alone?

Think about your competition. Microsoft and Sony offer HD streaming content today. Both have deals with Netflix (Microsoft's is integrated, but even Sony's disc-based program includes the HD option). Yes, you need a fast connection to qualify for a high-def feed, and no, it still doesn't look as immaculate as full-on Blu-ray (or for those of you who haven't switched, HD-DVD--requiescat in pace). But it's clearly a superior option, and for people slowly (or does that survey now imply 'quickly'?) awakening to the perquisites of HD video, possibly even a deal-breaker.

Which means: