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PS3 Gets Netflix Instant Watch at No Extra Charge (Update 2)
Posted October 26, 2009 04:47 AM by Juan Calonge
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Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and Netflix have announced that the PS3 will soon gain access to Netflix's Instant Watch service. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 next month, at no additional cost to PS3 owners in the US who are also Netflix subscribers – unlike Xbox 360 users, who can stream from Netflix only if they also pay $50 a year for Xbox Live Gold.
Of course, Instant Watch doesn't hold a candle to Blu-ray, but this offer will encourage PS3 owners to become Netflix subscribers. It so happens that Netflix doesn't offer a streaming-only plan, so new subscribers are also signing up for physical rentals.
The cheapest Netflix plan with unlimited streaming is the $8.99 one-DVD-at-a-time plan ($10.99 if you opt in to rent Blu-ray Discs).
Initially, this service will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. This disc employs BD-Live technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system, which must be online via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Netflix members and PS3 owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 by going to a dedicated sign-up page. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.
It was speculated that a future PS3 firmware update might enable access to Netflix Instant Watching without the need for a streaming disc. However, industry sources indicate that there won't be any firmware-based watching anytime soon.
Within Netflix Instant Watching interface, available titles are organized into a variety of categories based on members' personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members' individual instant Queues. Members can use the Netflix website or navigate directly on their PS3 systems to add movies and TV shows to their queues. With the PS3 controller or BD remote, members can choose a movie to watch from their instant queues or just play directly from any of the lists. They also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream via the PS3 controller or BD remote.
"The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Whether you want to watch content on Blu-ray disc and DVD, download it from the PlayStation Network's video delivery service, or stream videos instantly from Netflix, the PS3 system is the only solution that offers it all."
"As instantly watching movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix becomes an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Netflix service, our goal is to rapidly expand the devices that stream to our members," said Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings. "As a leading game console and Blu-ray disc player, bringing Netflix to the PS3 system is a real win for both Netflix members and PS3 system owners."
Update
Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities, as cited by Joystiq, noted that the Blu-ray disc required for Netflix playback on the PS3 may circumvent exclusivity clauses instituted by Microsoft. "We believe that the exclusive arrangement limits Netflix's ability to appear on the 'dashboard' for the PS3 or the Wii," said Pachter.
Back in April, we reported that a German company had demoed a BD-Live application that turned players into VoD platforms, using a VoD Blu-ray Disc with a specialized Java software application acting as a Client (browser). The Java application in the disc synchronized with the Java operating system inside the Blu-ray player and executed the delivery of movies from a dedicated content management system and video server. Maybe that is the same scheme being used here.
Update 2
Gamespot and Joystiq have contacted Netflix for more specifics and here are the main details:
- The PS3 application was developed internally by Netflix, with the help of the Sony team.
- The Netflix disc has to be inserted every time to access the Netflix service. It can't be installed on the PS3 hard drive.
- You keep the disc forever.
- A disc-based streaming application was used because it was the fastest and easiest way to implement streaming on the PS3.
- Late 2010, an embedded solution is expected for the PS3 via a system software update slated for release through the PlayStation Network.
- No special features will be available for streaming.
- There is no difference between the content catalog available on PS3 versus Xbox 360 and the PC, including high definition.
- No streaming-only subscription plan will be offered.
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Source: SCEA/Netflix |
Permalink
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Relevant for:
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Xombito
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Oct 26, 2009
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The one unique advantage the 360 had as a movie playing device taking away. Sweet! I'm going to sign up on Netflix right away! |
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Barion
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Oct 26, 2009
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Awesome! I just reserved my free streaming disc from the Netflix site. |
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Afrobean
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Oct 26, 2009
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If the disc functions by accessing a BDlive system, couldn't the disc be fully functional on ANY BDlive enabled player?
Why doesn't Netflix just offer such a disc? A disc that uses BDlive functionality as a gateway to streaming. They could probably even charge money for it. |
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Icedburden
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Oct 26, 2009
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I agree with Afrobean. I'd buy for one for a few bucks a month. |
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Carador
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Oct 26, 2009
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Aaaaaand yet another reason to get a PS3 over a 360... |
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tbizzle
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Oct 26, 2009
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+2 Afrobean. But wow, am I excited for this! Can't wait to watch movies on my PS3 instantly!! |
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marvinski
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Oct 26, 2009
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cool, maybe in 10 years and the PS4 we'll get this stuff in europe too! |
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bhampton
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Oct 26, 2009
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Very cool. If the PS3 now added DVR capabilities in the US then it really would do "everything". |
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X400
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Oct 26, 2009
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What about the PS3s video rental system???
I wish us Canadians could get some form of online rental capability -_- |
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Grubert
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Oct 26, 2009
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"When are morons going to understand Live is not required at $50 a year?"
It *is* required to use Instant Watching.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/netflix/default.htm
"This movie-watching innovation is available to Xbox LIVE® Gold members who are also Netflix members (...)" |
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bhampton
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Oct 26, 2009
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Hey Pega,
I do think streaming looks terrible but other people in my home like to use it for older TV shows and stuff. I would rather get the Blus from the Que than to stream but It's nice anytime more features are added to the PS3. |
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HydraShok
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Oct 26, 2009
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I am excited for those who have no other box to stream from. Me, I already have a TiVo and a Xbox 360 (and a PS3), so chalk up one more device I can stream from if I want to. As far as the $50 a year Live thing, I already game online so no biggie for me. |
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HydraShok
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Oct 26, 2009
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I hope the disc thing can be done away with later, I am not going to hunt up a disc to stream. |
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Blu Titan
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Oct 26, 2009
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Great news for PS3 owners. I might have to restart my Netflix sunscription. Everytime I go to Blockbuster I have to wait in line for ever to get my movies. |
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sokrman14
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Oct 26, 2009
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So you still need to put in a disc, kind of defeats the purpose right? |
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DonRSD
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Oct 26, 2009
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id rather rent my blu-ray discs and watch them.
streaming is a waste of time as its compressed to hell & NO lossless audio.
thanks but no thanks |
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cathexist
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Oct 26, 2009
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Finally! I will most likely restart my netflix account now.... |
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