Convoluted Netflix streaming confirmed for PlayStation Network

by Stevie Smith - Oct 26 2009, 18:12

Having found considerable success through Microsoft’s Xbox Live videogame and multimedia platform, home entertainment specialist Netflix is looking to further extend its online reach by making its popular streaming service available through Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN).

More pointedly, a new content deal between Sony and Netflix will enable broadband-equipped PlayStation 3 owners to enjoy instant streaming access to thousands of movies and TV shows. According to Netflix, the PSN service will launch before the close of November at no additional cost to existing Netflix members already armed with a PlayStation 3.

By bringing its extensive portfolio of films and television shows to the PlayStation 3 console, Netflix will be in a position to enrich its established user base of 11.1 million by tapping into a healthy chunk of the approximately nine million PS3 units installed in households across the United States.

“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,” trumpeted Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America (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,” he added.

Subscription to Netflix presently costs $8.99 USD per month, allowing members to instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streaming directly to their television screens and computers via Netflix-ready devices. The subscription deal also includes the watching of unlimited DVDs delivered by conventional post.

However, taking advantage of the Netflix streaming deal isn’t quite as easy or convenient as it sounds for willing PS3 users, who will be required to use a free Blu-ray disc that enables Internet access through Sony’s BD-Live technology platform. 

“Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly,” outlines Netflix. “These titles are conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members’ personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members’ individual instant Queues or just play directly from any of the lists.”

Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.

Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.

Around the Web