PlayStation 3
More details are emerging about the PlayStation 3 version of Netflix's "Watch Instantly" feature.
Using Netflix on the PlayStation 3 will require users insert a disc, according to Netflix spokemen today. Signing up for the disc is relatively easy; if you're a member of Netflix, log into your account and click "Watch Instantly", then from this screen click "Instant Devices." On the next screen, you'll be presented a listing of consoles and other devices which can recieve Netflix, which includes the PS3. Click the blue "Find Out More" button, and you'll be taken to a screen where you can reserve your PS3 Blu-ray disc to watch Netflix movies on the PlayStation 3.
Other details to emerge include:
- There is not an official launch date for the service. November is the best that they can state right now.
- Netflix and Sony are planning to integrate the software into the PS3 XMB, but not until 2010 (perhaps mid-2010).
- Viewing Parties remains Xbox exclusive. A viewing party is you and your friends' Avatars in a virtual room watching the movie together.
- Xbox Live Gold will still be required to stream Netflix on the Xbox 360.
On Sunday night, Netflix announced that their "Watch Instantly" service is coming soon to all Sony PlayStation 3 owners. Although Netflix requires a monthly subscription to access their On Demand service, at approximately $8 per month for their most basic plan, Netflix on PS3 will otherwise be free, in contrast to Microsoft's Xbox 360, where you have to be a Gold Member of Xbox Live (at up to $50 per year) to use the service.
All of Netflix OnDemand's shows will be available, including TV episodes from most networks (that were released to DVD, like Dirtiest Jobs and Jericho). It wasn't discussed if this deal would extend beyond the United States.
Netflix stock (NASDAQ: NFLX) moved upward in after-hours trading as a result of the deal, and as of 9am Monday, was up 2.68%. This announcement is likely to push stock prices higher. In fact, the NFLX stock moved to highs for the year on Friday, with an earnings per share (EPS). Netflix also raised its full year 2009 EPS guidance to $1.82 and $1.90, from previous $1.65 to $1.85 guidance, hinting at a deal that could raise revenue and exposure for the company.
Although the Netflix service's announcement came today, the Sony PlayStation 3 does not yet feature Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) in any of its menus. Sony (TYO) has said that the service is forthcoming, next month. The Netflix deal with Sony had been rumored since Friday, when Netflix announced that they were expanding their service to a well-known device with a good market presence.
Here is a portion of the official announcement:
With Movies Streamed Instantly from Netflix, Blu-ray/DVD Playback and Downloadable Videos via the PlayStation®Network, the PlayStation 3 System Offers The Industry’s Most Comprehensive Options for Watching Movies and TV Shows
FOSTER CITY and LOS GATOS, Calif., October 26, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) and Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced that they are joining forces to make thousands of movies and TV episodes from Netflix available to be streamed instantly to TVs via the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system.
Today’s announcement pairs two of the most popular and fastest growing home entertainment brands in the U.S. The PS3 system’s installed base has reached close to 9 million units in the United States, and Netflix recently reported 11.1 million U.S. subscribers as of September 30.
The partnership further solidifies the PS3 system as the most complete home entertainment hub on the market today, enabling consumers to play high-definition games, watch Blu-ray movies, listen to music, view photos, browse the Internet, and download content from PlayStation®Network − from exclusive games to blockbuster movies and popular TV shows. PS3 system owners will soon enjoy an unparalleled experience watching their favorite movies and TV shows streamed instantly from Netflix, downloading from the PlayStation Network or watching Blu-ray/DVD media. The Netflix offering expands on the entertainment experience delivered to PS3 system owners via PlayStation Network.
For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers via Netflix ready devices such as the PS3 system and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes.
“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.”
Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. The free instant streaming disc leverages Blu-ray’s 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 simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. These titles are conveniently 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 Web site or navigate directly on their PS3 systems to add movies and TV shows to their Queues. With the PS3 system’s Wireless Controller, 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 Wireless Controller.
Netflix members and PS3 system owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 systems by going to www.netflix.com/ps3. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.
Uncharted 2 (PlayStation 3) | LittleBigPlanet (PlayStation 3) | Killzone 2 (PlayStation 3) |
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