Netflix's decision to dump Microsoft's Windows Media Player for Silverlight will result in 50 technical experts exiting the online movie specialist.

The company's adopted Microsoft's browser-based media player and streaming service so customers can download and play movies on their PCs or Macs. Netflix is a trophy customer for Microsoft in its battle to establish Silverlight against the entrenched opposition from Adobe System's Flash.

So good is the Silverlight Mac and PC service, though, that a team of 75 Netflix hired to help customers navigate problems with Windows Media Player are no longer required.

A spokesperson said Netflix offered everyone the chance to join the main customer service group, but just 15 had accepted. The others leave in January. Those who remain will likely help tackle lingering problems with Netflix's Roku and Xbox 360 players.

"Silverlight makes it easier to connect to watching on the PC and Mac," the spokesperson told The Reg. "There isn't the need for highly specialized technical folk." ®

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