The PlayOn Blog

When we built the SVR functionality of PlayOn that lets you record Netflix shows and movies to watch offline/anytime (even after they expire), we thought we were on to something. According to a recent survey by allflix.net, 73% of Netflix users want to be able to watch offline: https://www.allflicks.net/73-of-subscribers-would-download-netflix-content/.

In Netflix's world, that means allowing consumers to download Netflix shows and movies to their PC/iPad/Android device. But there is more than one way to skin that cat! PlayOn empowers users to record the Netflix show or movie - just like your cable DVR allows you to record broadcast shows/movies. Then you can watch it anytime from your PC/iPad/Android device - offline. Whereas Netflix may not like it, it is legally protected by a doctrine known as Consumer Fair Use - which "legalized" the VCR and later the DVR and now the SVR.

Here's the legal perspective for those that are interested:

Consumers are protected by “Fair Use” as defined in the Betamax case:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Corp._of_America_v._Universal_City_Studios,_Inc.

“Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios, Inc., 464 U.S. 417 (1984), also known as the “Betamax case”, is a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States which ruled that the making of individual copies of complete television shows for purposes of time shifting does not constitute copyright infringement, but is fair use.”

In any case. Right now, you can watch Netflix offline - just get a PlayOn Plus license and fill your queue!

Happy Recording!