Netflix launches in the UK and Ireland

VIDEO STREAMING web site Netflix has launched its service in the UK and Ireland and is offering early adopters a one month free trial.

Netflix has been offering video streaming in the US for some time, but has been slow in coming to Blighty, where it will have to compete with Lovefilm. It's here now though, and is offering punters the chance to sign up and watch streaming video content for around £6 a month.

The most obvious way to sign up for the service is via Facebook, but you can also take on the £5.99 a month service at its web site using your email address.

We browsed the collection, and weren't impressed by the selection of titles. You could call it underwhelming, if you were feeling kind, and many of its titles are more 'eh?' than 'wahey!' It is early days, however, and many of the media firms are still struggling to come to terms with web streaming and download services and are delaying new releases.

"We are starting 2012 in the best possible way: by giving consumers in the UK and Ireland an amazing entertainment experience," said Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix in a statement.

"Now, you can enjoy as many great films and TV programmes as you want, when you want, where you want, for one low monthly price with no contracts or commitments."

New titles (*cough*) listed include the Expendables and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. µ