Final answer:
Pandora, Spotify, and Netflix are examples of on-demand Internet streaming media providers, offering subscription-based access to content with tiered pricing and a mix of old and new programming.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pandora, Spotify, and Netflix are examples of on-demand Internet streaming media providers. These companies have revolutionized how consumers access music and video content by offering various subscription services that allow users to stream their preferred content anytime, without the need to adhere to traditional broadcast schedules. Netflix, in particular, has expanded beyond just streaming, also providing a flat rate DVD-by-mail service in the United States. Moreover, Netflix and others like Pandora and Spotify have introduced tiered pricing structures, which gives customers different levels of service access at varying price points, thereby affecting purchasing decisions based on individual preferences and budgets.
As time progresses and technology advances, the trend suggests a growing preference for streaming video services, possibly overtaking the demand for physical DVD discs. With the increase in population and shifts in consumer tastes, streaming services like Netflix continue to adapt, offering both older content and newer programming, sometimes including commercials, to generate additional revenue. The presence of commercials is often a trade-off for quicker access to new content after its initial broadcast, reflecting the evolving nature of on-demand media consumption.