The streaming media giant Netflix hasn’t had it all their own way since bursting onto the Latin America scene last year, none more so in Brazil.
Feedback from customers has been indifferent to say the least with many citing a relatively poor catalogue as one of the reasons as to why they haven’t become big fans of the Netflix service as yet.
Another aspect that seems to have caused frustration with the viewer’s down in Brazil is that the quality of the streams aren’t quite as high as they could be, although reports suggest that they are better than the likes of YouTube.
Payment method issues
However, it would appear that the biggest single issue for dissent from customers doesn’t come from the quality of the stream or indeed it’s content, it comes from the method of payment that Netflix insists upon. Currently this is only available via a credit card, which conflicts with the majority of other payment methods that the Brazilians are used to.
Netflix’s chief communications officer, Jonathon Friedland confirmed that the Brazilian market was, “challenging”, when speaking to the Bazillion blog TechTudo.
Netfilx have been keen to state that many of the issues that presented themselves at the outset have been dealt with; however some still remain.
Mr Friedland went on to talk about how Netflix have increased their catalogue of available movies and television shows, to help allay any fears that they had a limited choice available.
It would appear that one of the difficulties that remains is the county’s relatively poor broadband services, which still sees the vast majority of suppliers charging for speeds that they just don’t deliver. This is seen as one of the overriding factors that are being faced by Netflix and the other streaming media suppliers.
Another reason as to why Netflix has struggled is the cultural differences in what is being watched, many Bazillions literally switch off at the thought of watching content that is made in other Latin America countries, whilst on the plus side it would appear that they are big fans of things like stand-up comedy and also shows like UFC.
One thing that is for sure is that Netflix don’t normally fail when it comes to making something work, so with that in mind it would be fair to expect to see some changes regarding content and perhaps even payment methods offered; in the not too distant future that is.
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