Netflix coming to PlayStation 3 next month is good news for PlayStation 3 owners (and Xbox 360 users whose primary reason for a Gold membership has been easy Netflix streaming access). But several questions about Netflix coming to Sony's platform weren't answered in the announcement release. Is there HD streaming? Why do I need a disc to access it?
I spoke with Netflix's VP of corporate communications Steve Swasey on the phone this morning to clarify these points and others. Again, good news: you should be happy with these answers, too.
Yes, Netflix on PlayStation 3 supports HD streaming. The entire Netflix streaming catalogue -- HD or not -- that's currently available on the PC, via Netflix-supporting TVs and, yes, through Xbox 360 will be available for PlayStation 3 users on day one. Swasey admitted Netflix's streaming catalogue isn't nearly as vast as its disc catalog, but said it's something they're actively expanding every day.
At the outset, in order to access Netflix on your PlayStation 3, you'll need to pop in a disc. The disc is free and yours to keep. All you need to do is ask for one and keep it nearby when you want to access Netflix streaming. That's not permanent. Swasey confirmed Netflix will have an "embedded solution" (i.e. a proper application, ala Xbox 360) "at some point," but couldn't say when.
Swasey wouldn't comment on speculation that it's a disc-based solution at the moment to get around whatever exclusivity contract the company currently has with Microsoft. Regardless, PlayStation 3 users will eventually have a more elegant way to access Netflix that doesn't require a disc, but according to Swasey, this was the "fastest and easiest way to get PlayStation 3 members now."
Netflix has not announced a specific date for when it will start shipping the Netflix-enabling Blu-ray discs for PlayStation 3 owners, but it's happening sometime in November. If you want to be at the top of the list, I recommend linking your account right now.
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Boghound
Super sweet!
Adrenalyn915
The more options the better! I don't really rent movies much, so I'm not about to pay $15 a month for a subscription that I won't use, but I do occasionally rent movies from PSN, which is great for me. But, the day I feel the need to start my Netflix subscription, it's nice to know it will be there on PSN waiting for me!
bigmonstefan
I might have to get netflix again. I hope that the psn version is as good as the 360 version in terms of overall presentation.
Texakinz
I was considering buying an Xbot just for the netflix, but uppon hearing the good news, I can wait for netflix to be available. Also I need a netflix account, but that can wait til then.
ProjektX13
How sad that PS3 gets the B list treatment.
FLP_B01
@crazyhorse1425:: I was gonna ask the same thing, because the video store on the PSN doesn't work if you live in Canada. (which effin sucks)
thiswillallbeburned
Must get PS3.
XXXSpartan118XXX
why have a console when you can just get netflixs itself? you may say oh its free. yeah if you already have a subscription outside of the console..oh well i might wanna get a Ps3 just for Blu-Ray dvds and free online.
crazyhorse1425
Is the Netflix streaming on PS3 going to be available in Canada? I tried setting up streaming video on the 360, but was informed that it wasn't available in Canada yet....anybody know?
OneBadMofo
How exactly do you get the disc
asudevil2
Poor xbots they cant try to use the Netflix card anymore....so basically there is nothing the xbox does that the PS3 does not, but the PS3 does it for freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
DBJAY
Samsung BR players also support Netflix streaming. This really is a move by Sony to make sure that they are keeping up with their competition in the home theater marketplace.
blackleo81
Sony is building steam 360fanboys better look out
NAZAR3NE
As someone who uses Netflix on the 360 to stream Movie and Tv content, this makes me very happy. I primarily use Netflix to watch Tv shows like Lost, Heroes and Dexter among others and more customers (hopefully) means more digital content. Often times (Meaning anytime I'm not watching heroes...) I'll hit a brick wall, run out of a show and have to add it to my DVD Queue on Netflix in order to keep watching it. Which pisses me off so I just move onto another show. Whats really bad is when seasons six and seven of a show like The Shield are added to instant watch without having added THE FIRST SEASON! I've actually been considering a cancellation of my Netflix membership because of these things. So, hearing that Netflix is coming to the PS3 within the month is music to this 360 (soon to be 360/PS3) owners ears. I just hope that Netflix can get their shiz together and start giving their paying customers the goods.
aztecyankee
This is good news all around!! Everyone should be able to enjoy Netflix on every console.
BTW...I keep hearing a rumor about PSN going to a paid service does anyone have any info on this? Yeah I know rumors have been around since 2007 but I keep hearing more and more now any info anyone?
TurnBackThePendulum
@Lizard 64
Why would it suck for a 360 gamer?
Because Netflix is on PS3 that is awesome but it does not have nothing to do with gaming. Its happening video game systems are going the way of cell phones and mp3 players, Useless features are going to clog up the experience. I not going to buy a system if it play netfix I am going to buy it for the games. Ha does any one Remember when cell phone or mobile phone were just portable phone? Or putting a cartage in a console and turning it on?
NAZAR3NE
As someone who uses Netflix on my 360 to stream movie and tv content, this makes me really happy because (hopefully) more customers means more digital content. I primarily use Netflix to watch tv shows and a lot of the time I'll hit a brick wall, run out of a show and have to add the next season to my dvd Queue if I want to keep watching it. Which really pisses me off so I just move on to another show and wait for Netflix to add the next season to instant watch, which so far doesn't seem to be very common. It's really bad when they add season six and seven of a show like the shield to instant watch while ignoring the first... BULL BLAM! I've actually been considering a cancellation of my netflix membership because of this so hearing that Netflix is coming to PS3 within the month is music to my ears, I just hope they can get their shiz together.
cyahzar
What can make the case of the mondays alittle bit less troublesome.....THIS, This is the antidote. Thank you Netflix
Utmost_NutsZo
I hate to even seem as if I'm taking part in this whole console war, but Sony has really been bringing out the big guns lately. I was already happy with my PS3, but with the great games so far this year, the ones on the horizon and now Netflix - I'm seeing very little need to add a 360 to my list of owned consoles.
I gotta say, this was a pleasant surprise when I heard about it.
gamermoney
I might actually get a netflix account now...kinda sucks ifwe don't have this by thanksgiving but as long as I can watch whatever I want in december then i'm good whether it be from psn store or netflix
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