Netflix expanding console streaming to 'variety of platforms'

Xbox 360-streaming film-rental giant looking for "Engineering Leader--Gaming Platforms" to "rapidly" expand services to multiple consoles.

Since it went online as part of last November's New Xbox Experience, Netflix's Xbox 360 video-streaming service has seen more than 1 million people sign up. That number is made even more impressive by the fact the Los Gatos, California-based company--best known for its mail-based DVD rental and PC streaming service--has only 10 million subscribers in total.

Coming soon to a(nother) console near you?

Now, it appears that Netflix is looking to expand its presence in the gaming space even further. According to a job listing on its Web site, Netflix is looking to hire an "Engineering Leader--Gaming Platforms" to direct "a small technology team to rapidly prototype and iterate on a variety of platforms." (Emphasis added.)

Though it never names a console in particular, the listing repeatedly emphasizes that Netflix wants to work on multiple gaming devices. "The gaming platforms team is...tasked with bringing the latest generation of movie discovery and delivery technology to the gaming console platforms our growing subscribers use every day," reads the job description.

Though Netflix reps did not immediately return requests for clarification as to which platforms it is working on, its listing underlines that the company wants applicants with "experience with digital media on embedded platforms...ideally on one or more gaming consoles."

The most obvious suspect for Netflix's next video-streaming endeavor is the PlayStation 3, which already digitally distributes movies and television shows for rental and purchase. The Wii is also a faint possibility, considering that Nintendo will launch a video service for the popular console in Japan later this year. That said, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata declared last week that any Wii video service would be "different" than those of its competitors.

152 Comments

  • bonvoyage10122

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 8:24 am PT

    Awesome. Hope it comes to Wii... cuz that's the only one that I have... and i got it for FREE!!! XD

  • atopp399

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 8:01 am PT

    I agree, be careful of your bandwidth limit streaming HD movies... Internet companies are placing caps on usage which basically will force you to use their service for streaming movies. It is a conflict of interest but it will happen until someone challenges it in court.

  • KhanhAgE

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 7:58 am PT

    I doubt anyone on Time Warner's broadband is going to be streaming much of anything, when they introduce their "Capped" plans.

  • Lifeshifter

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 7:31 am PT

    Its not about being VS Blu-Ray its about expanding at Home Media services and convienence. But sounds like it would be cool, I've been hearing rumors about it coming to the Wii before the Ps3 though

  • Normaral85

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 7:25 am PT

    Now a Netflix channel on the Wii, that's something that makes sense and something I can get behind.

  • Normaral85

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 7:24 am PT

    Who cares, trying to compare streaming HD media to Blu Ray is like trying to compare VHS to DVD. For those that can't tell or are satified with simply HD media. Go get a high-end HD TV and then compare, after that then comment. Otherwise hush, cause using streaming media to try to combat the beast that is Blu Ray is a losing arguement. Give me a disc(BLU RAY that is) so that when my internet is down or my lame cable internet is bogged down I can still enjoy some REAL HD entertainment.

  • lordrave

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 6:57 am PT

    Who gives a sh*t?
    and who said it was exclusive for 360?

    Anyway,
    PS3 owner brag about free online and bash 360 for their LIVE fee's,
    In other word, there's no slapping~
    why?
    You hate paying, and i dont think you will be paying for netflix.
    For all I know,
    if it does come to PS3,
    Im quite confused about the word "BD-ray taking over" stuff..
    since it stream normal HD, and delivers DVD (and BD)

  • klugenbeel

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 6:28 am PT

    @jojobubba,
    It's CONNECTION QUALITY TO DETERMIN YOUR VIDEO QUALITY! I live in the styx and have crappy internet. If the internet at my house is working well that night, Netflix looks great, but if my connection is slow, it looks terrible and has Digital break ups. Its not your system, it's you internet. Apparently you have crappy internet too.

  • ColbertSoldier

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 6:22 am PT

    Maybe if it comes to PS3 it may actually stream for me again.
    It works fine on my PC but the second I try it on 360 I get 1 bar for conection strength. I can't figure it out since my conection for games is perfect.

  • feryl06

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 6:20 am PT

    It's a strange situation for Sony. First they say blu ray is the wave of the future, but IF netflix is coming to the PS3, Sony will just be saying that digital distribution is the wave of the future instead and will only be backing what MS has been saying since HD dvds died.

  • jojobubba posted Apr 14, 2009 5:00 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    jojobubba

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 5:00 am PT (hide)

    @coaltango...

    Netflix does offer Bluray disc movies. I have received several. If you mean for download, then that's an impossibility, since Bluray is a format of a disc, not a download.

    Besides, I streamed Netflix onto my Xbox360... it sucked. It checks your video 'quality' (mine is up to 1080i), but gives worse than 480i. Until they resolve that issue, I won't stream through a system. Of course, you have to pay for a Gold membership to do that on Xbox360, so it's really a waste. It should be free on PS3, but the video quality needs to be corrected first.

  • lizzardman666

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:51 am PT

    Seriously now, who heck buys movies?

  • REA24409

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:47 am PT

    I don't need netflix for my PS3, I can just download my movies for free off of the internet.

  • player_leo

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:21 am PT

    Since Bluray isn't sellng that well, I guess to bring Netflix to PS3 would be a welcomed alternative.

  • viewtiful_jay

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:01 am PT

    I'd be interested in it on PS3. Sometimes there's things my fiance and I want to watch together, but don't want to "waste" a queue slot on it. So then we do Watch It Now, but it's a pain in the ass to hook my laptop up to the TV, wire it into the sound system, etc. It'd be so much better if I could just use my PS3 to do it.

  • Koi-Neon-X

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:57 am PT

    I am hoping that Netflix comes to the PS3. If not I'll just continue using RED BOX.

  • the_real_VIP

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:49 am PT

    I'd still rather have hard copies of my movies. BTW, streaming HD? It takes me days to download GBs on Broadband and ISPs have fees if you go over their data cap.

  • thenarkallaptar

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:44 am PT

    It would be fantastic if they went to ps3. No need to stick to one console.

  • combatsoldier

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:29 am PT

    @coaltango hell ya brother, that would be completely awsome.

  • coaltango posted Apr 14, 2009 1:27 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    coaltango

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 1:27 am PT (hide)

    lets hope netflix offers blu ray for ps3 owners.

  • combatsoldier

    Posted Apr 14, 2009 12:43 am PT

    That would be great. Now if these asses can get it to work in places outside of the 50 states. Then a real American Soldier like myself might be able to join it here in Puerto Rico. Also I signed up twice. When it first came out. They didnt tell us it doesnt work here. Then the second time they said they patched it and fixed streaming for Puerto Rico. Lied again, so now if they would finally fix it. Then I can take my ass to the bank and save money and actually watch movies instantly. Geeeeee that sure would be great. Thanks Netflix for forgetting about everyone else.

  • imprezawrx500

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 10:44 pm PT

    they should open it up to the whole world not just na, all limiting countries does is cripple your sales.

  • bubnux posted Apr 13, 2009 10:23 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    bubnux

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 10:23 pm PT (hide)

    Meh, I'd still not choose over BRD due to picture/sound quality. I didn't spend five g's on a TV for streaming garbage.

  • drangel_jam

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 9:45 pm PT

    if they go multiplat it will be good for them.

  • Vonocourt

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 9:00 pm PT

    Wait, so the three dollar increase I'd have to pay to keep my blu-ray access will probably go to expanding a streaming service I don't even use(It's been reported that the streaming is costing Netflix a pretty penny).

    Because the last price increase didn't really seem to help the amount of blu-rays they had in stock. Really, if this anywhere close to what is actually happening, I call BS.

  • BtmnHatesRbn

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 8:37 pm PT

    Oh, there was a report Blockbuster may go out of business at the end of May if they don't meet certain financial requirements.

  • BtmnHatesRbn

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 8:36 pm PT

    I strongly doubt it'll be Wii. PSP, PS3 maybe? An app on iPhone?

  • BlueFlameBat posted Apr 13, 2009 8:21 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    BlueFlameBat

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 8:21 pm PT (hide)

    athenian29, you're making assumptions about other people. I've done it myself and got the same reactions. Just because you're free to post something doesn't mean people have to like it. How much you wanna bet my message about Nintendo being a control freak will be given at least five thumbs down if it's rated at all?

    Oh, I guess I just made another assumption. My bad.

  • BlueFlameBat posted Apr 13, 2009 8:18 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    BlueFlameBat

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 8:18 pm PT (hide)

    Nintendo, stop shooting yourself in the foot by being such a control freak.

  • athenian29 posted Apr 13, 2009 7:46 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    athenian29

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:46 pm PT (hide)

    Why did I lose a point? I'm just stating my opinion, and also showing how the morons will try to spin it so the smart people can have a laugh.

    I bet it was a fanboy who deducted me.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:31 pm PT

    Wasn't Blockbuster supposed to do the streaming PS3 service? I bet they're going to be pretty pissed.

  • mrklorox

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:23 pm PT

    Get it right, Tor. It's multiple platforms, not multiple consoles. You can also expect a Netflix app for the iPhone, which is very much not a console.

    You got all the fanboys riled up and flinging poo again.

  • Blink3r

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:23 pm PT

    @ JackHoleFace00: LOOOOOOOOOOL "What, do you swing the Wii remote while watching a fight scene?"

    that was hilarious xD

  • JDWolfie

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:22 pm PT

    I doubt it would go to Wii because it still doesn't have a hard-drive. PS3 would seem more likely even though videos wouldn't be stored on memory cards on the Wii I imagine.

  • dynomitemasta

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:17 pm PT

    Since the Wii doesn't play dvd's and has the largest installed base of any current gen console, it would make it the most logical choice, ... unless they choose to blow all our minds and make it available on the PS2

  • athenian29

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 7:17 pm PT

    Anti-Xbox fanboys will argue that Netflix is "trying to get a lifeline off the Sinking Xbox Ship." Pro-Xbox fanboys will say "we got it first."

    I say that Netflix was impressed by their successes with the Xbox and want to cash in elsewhere. More money is always good, right?

  • Ryking

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:59 pm PT

    Or maybe this is aimed at the OnLive thing as well?

  • kkevguy47k

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:56 pm PT

    there have been ways of streaming netflix to ps3s through a private media server on a computer. this was before it was announced for 360. but building it in to the ps3 will enable hd more easily and make it easier overall to use.

  • JackHoleFace00

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:47 pm PT

    PS3 is the most obvious addition to the service, as the hardware and current infrastructure make it the easiest... plus the only other platform is the Wii (so it gets it by process of elimination)! But it's not coming to the Wii, as the article says--

    "Nintendo president Satoru Iwata declared last week that any Wii video service would be "different" than those of its competitors." So it sounds like Nintendo doesn't even want Netflix to be part of it, which personally I think is stupid; movies are movies, why are they trying to be "different" there. What, do you swing the Wii remote while watching a fight scene? Stupid.

  • Flint247

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:38 pm PT

    If done on Wii properly, that would be interesting.

  • Max1363 posted Apr 13, 2009 6:35 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Max1363

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:35 pm PT (hide)

    I Think it will be a new service for XBOX or expanding current services to other countries(Europe and Canada)like they said before Netfilx only available on XBOX this gen,so there will be no Wii or PS3.

  • dortega120

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:34 pm PT

    Pretty much a face slap to 360 fanboys.

  • Doolz2024

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:30 pm PT

    So much for Netflix being exclusive to the 360...

  • moose_knuckler

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:30 pm PT

    Interesting, I always liked the option of streaming Netflix to my friends' 360, my subscription ran out around the time this came out . It's definatly a nice add-on to any console whether you have a Netflix subscription or not.

  • nintendoboy16

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 6:14 pm PT

    @gnbfd

    No it isn't. Netflix haven't decided on the next platform, so don't say it'll be the PlayStation 3. Even I don't know what platform Netflix will decide.

  • brianpoetzel

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 5:06 pm PT

    I wonder if when this comes to the PS3, Sony will try to keep their movies exclusive? I'm not sure netflix would agree to the deal if they insisted. Wouldn't that be like renting DVDs only to people that own a "sony" DVD player? But I could see them trying.

    I just wish they could stream ALL their available titles and not just some. Too often I find a movie I really want to see and no option to stream, only mail.

  • valcan570

    Posted Apr 13, 2009 4:55 pm PT

    Would make a lot of sense if it's the PS3. Because Xbox streams are limited to the movies it can distribute, due to sony owning the rights to a lot of great movies. It could also be a great marketing ploy for sony to move some hardware. I mean with the movie rights sony has and the service that netflix offers it sounds like a no brainer to me.

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