The key differentiator between the future and past, isn't strictly cheaper prices, it is flexibility. Satellite/Cable had a huge lock-in factor due to equipmen

The key differentiator between the future and past, isn't strictly cheaper prices, it is flexibility. Satellite/Cable had a huge lock-in factor due to equipment contracts and even monopoly/duopoly issues. A lot of consumers found themselves either hard or soft locked in as prices continued to rise/quality declined (and many still are). The future is different not because content is guaranteed to be inexpensive, but because competition can exist and users get the choice (including choosing nothing for periods). In this case Netflix is raising prices which sucks, but the market is rich in high quality competitors, some of which are cheaper.