Netflix chose France to test “Direct”, its first channel that exclusively broadcasts content from its platform but with a programmed grid like that of any television signal.

As reported by the American specialized site Variety, the channel has been available since yesterday for some of the streaming giant's subscribers in France, accessible from the search box of the same platform through the decoders of some groups of cable and broadband providers in the country.

When the user chooses Direct from the menu, they will have at their disposal a program that essentially does not differ from the grid of any digital channel: with movies, Netflix series and documentaries broadcast in "real time", without even having the ability to rewind or fast forward.

The proposal, although in test phase, seems to go against the strong trend of the audiovisual industry to experience content on demand, and that Netflix just started more than a decade ago.

But nevertheless, the company put forward its reasons; on your website, It was explained that France chose to test its first linear channel due to the level of "traditional television consumption" maintained by the Gauls, despite the spread of streaming platforms.

"Many viewers like the idea of ​​programming that does not require them to choose what to watch next.", noted the company, and I add: "Either due to lack of inspiration or because you are discovering Netflix for the first time, you can let yourself be guided without having to choose a particular title and thus be surprised by the diversity of the Netflix catalog ".

Another factor at play is the company's quest to attract the elderly public, that has stayed away from streaming to a greater extent.

Direct had a limited release yesterday, but it is expected that in early December it will spread to most of the surrounding 9 million subscribers the company has in France. (TELAM)