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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Comments
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jdawghatesyou
I knew it! I knew that is why they are doing the disk right now! and yes I totally mean to toot my own horn right now because yes i was right hahaha
PiMD360 ShowHide(6 Replies)
The disc has nothing to do with any contract that M$ might have with Netflix but rather because programming for the Play$tation 3 is very difficult and the reason why some gaming companies stick with Xbox and PC exclusive.
implodinggoat
That's definitely a big bonus for PS3 users. These days I've been using my 360 to stream Netflix a lot more than I've been using it to play games (although that partly has to do with the sparse number of quality games that have come out over the summer). Word of advice they've got practically every Hitchcock movie ever made on Netflix instant. At the very least do yourself a favor and watch Vertigo and Rear Window.
gamersince1995
you know what i think what do 360 fans feel about it.
lizard64
this is great news for ps3 gamers
today sucks if your a 360 gamer....
Gamelife1
Oh word that makes sense. I thought it was a little soon for the exclusivity deal to be ending with Microsoft. Ah Netflix, you cheeky bastards!
PBone
Who really cares about putting a Disc in. As long as you can get to you're netflix via your ps3 its a plus. I have kept my uncharted 2 game in my ps3 since the game came out.
They are steaming in HD. witch is a plus and also the Disc will help with BD-Live features witch is also a big plus. At this rate the ps3 is doing, I might not renew my Live next year.
cinemascapes08
Another reason for me to keep saving for my PS3. Won't chuck my Xbox but more of my friends are on PSN and I'm already on with my PSP.
implodinggoat
I own a 360. Would you please explain to me why I should be distraught by this? Why exactly should I desire PS3 owners be deprived of Netflix? Why shoud I care?
Did buying my 360 entail swearing some manner of blood vendetta against all PS3 owners? I don't recall that being mentioned in the user manual. That seems like the sort of thing Best Buy really should have informed me about before I bought my console.
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
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.
cyahzar
What can make the case of the mondays alittle bit less troublesome.....THIS, This is the antidote. Thank you Netflix
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.
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?
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?
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.
blackleo81
Sony is building steam 360fanboys better look out
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.
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
OneBadMofo
How exactly do you get the disc
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