[iwontberude]

You can say streaming is commodity and uninteresting now but back in 2012 when these decisions were being made, they had the ability to pivot into making proprietary, higher-end TVs and set top boxes that improved streaming significantly to where it is today or further. I understand they didn't want to become TiVO, but this is where Netflix had the ability to change things by publishing exclusive content directly to their customers without relying on cable/satellite providers. I can't say it would be easy -- and that is what I mean about Reed Hastings not being capable.

Strategically, Netflix is beholden to its manufacturing partners and never had a wholistic story for the living room the way they claimed to want because they never had control. They never had control because they didn't come up with a compelling prototype. This would necessarily include gaming and other content.