Netflix sees half million Blu-ray subs in current qtr

LOS ANGELES, Oct 20 (Reuters) - DVD rental company Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) said on Monday it expects about 500,000 of its 8.7 million subscribers will be Blu-ray subscribers in the current quarter.

Netflix this month began adding $1 to monthly membership fees to provide unlimited access to high-definition Blu-ray movies. Netflix said the additional charge, to reflect the higher cost of Blu-ray discs, will be automatically added to billing statements on or after Nov. 5.

Subscribers who do not want Blu-ray access must adjust their accounts through the Netflix website.

Netflix told analysts on a call it expected the number of Blu-ray subscribers to increase. (Reporting by Sue Zeidler)