Netflix socks subscribers with 59% price hike

Netflix is hiking the minimum price it charges for a combined DVD-by-mail and streaming service to $15.98 from $9.99. The net impact of the change - a 59% increase - will be to force customers to choose between Netflix's unlimited streaming plan and its DVD-by-mail service. Subscribers had previously received a discount for signing up to receive both services.

The company's new $7.99-per-month plan, offered at a new page on the Netflix site, allows users to have one DVD out a time on an unlimited basis. According to a Netflix salesperson who spoke to CNET today, those who want to include Blu-ray discs in the new plan will need to pay $9.99 per month. Internet streaming of video content is not included.