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Netflix hits PS3 this week

With required Blu-ray discs already in the mail, Sony console-owners won't have to wait much longer to access video-streaming service.

In late October, Netflix broke a year of Xbox 360 exclusivity by announcing it was bringing its video-streaming service to the PlayStation 3. The move came after months of hints and PS3-related hires, culminating in CEO Reed Hastings saying it was his vision to support "all consoles."

Netflix will be accessible as soon as the support Blu-ray disc arrives.

Netflix will be accessible as soon as the support Blu-ray disc arrives.

At the time of the announcement, all Netflix officials would say was that the service would go live on the PS3 sometime in November. Today, though, Netflix subscribers began receiving notices that the Blu-ray discs required to use the service on the console are being shipped to customers. The first are slated to arrive as early as tomorrow, and subscribers will be able to access the service as soon as the disc is loaded into the PS3. Available to order at www.netflix.com/ps3, the Blu-rays must be used until next year, when a firmware update will add Netflix to the console's XrossMediaBar.

With the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 now supporting Netflix streaming--along with Sony Bravia HDTVs, HD Tivos, Roku boxes, Samsung Blu-ray players, and many other devices--only the Wii remains outside its grasp. That may change soon, though, as unconfirmed reports have the service already being tested on Nintendo's platform.

186 Comments

  • karphan

    Posted Nov 23, 2009 11:26 am GMT

    xophaser

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 10:27 pm PT One thing though, you can only watch movies in your queue, so if you have to add or browse for a new movies, you need to switch to your PS3 browers and do it from there, then go back to your disc.

    Not true I've been able to browse all genres up to 100 in each category, without moving it to my queue.

  • Ghostel23

    Posted Nov 21, 2009 8:52 pm GMT

    Woot, about time Sony, keep up the good work!!

  • Jack_n_Coke07

    Posted Nov 13, 2009 2:43 am GMT

    It's not in Canada.

  • xophaser

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 10:49 am GMT

    @dominicobaggio
    I think it is a US thing. Netflix is like Blockbuster that rent movies. Instead of having a store you rent online and they mail it to you. To get the upperhand, Netflix alow people to stream movies to their computer and now consoles. Quality is base on your internet speed. Bluckbuster has a program that allow to download and not stream. Netflix streaming is like Hulu and youtube for TV series.

    It is free streaming if you have a netflix rental subscription.

  • masterchiefx3

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 9:17 am GMT

    thats preety cool now netflixs on my ps3

  • Dominicobaggio

    Posted Nov 9, 2009 2:55 am GMT

    Is this thing available in UK, and what is it? A pay per view video thing or do you get to keep them?

  • xophaser

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 10:27 pm GMT

    It should not take too long to get to you. I got my last friday on release date, but it was in my queue like 2 weeks ago. The quality looks like divx too me, since I got a slow 1.5mb dsl; which I expected since I been watching on my PC.

    One thing though, you can only watch movies in your queue, so if you have to add or browse for a new movies, you need to switch to your PS3 browers and do it from there, then go back to your disc.

  • Da_Skull_King

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 9:08 pm GMT

    after seeing this i set up for a copy and havent gotten one yet....
    can anybody tell me when they got a copy in relation to when they ordered one?

  • razeak

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 11:34 am GMT

    " UnknownForm

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:23 pm PT

    YEAH!, at least I finally don't need to pay $50/year to use Netflix on my console..."

    Stable online gaming be damned eh?

  • APCTool88

    Posted Nov 8, 2009 6:31 am GMT

    awesome i might subscribe

  • salamisand

    Posted Nov 7, 2009 10:39 pm GMT

    I just got my PS3 Netflix streaming disk yesterday and all I have to say is that it kicks @$$. The image quality was great and I didn't notice any slow-downs or glitches during playback. The interface could use some improvement, but it is definitely serviceable and it will be nice when the firmware update renders the "streaming disk" obsolete. AND, while I enjoy playing games on my PS3, being able to watch movies and TV series without any EXTRA charges is a nice bonus.

  • Xtremekirk

    Posted Nov 7, 2009 6:50 am GMT

    @ehggza,@bowlingotter

    LOL you totally caught me, I did not even see that in the article, totally my screw up. So I guess sony CAN do it, now we have to wait and see what it will look like on the Wii, THAT should be intresting

  • kiraburu

    Posted Nov 7, 2009 5:02 am GMT

    i just gonna say: the pirate bay + ps3mediaserver for the win.-

  • Masterclass2006

    Posted Nov 7, 2009 2:59 am GMT

    I'm guessing this is fot the US only.

  • JayyRadd08

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 10:57 pm GMT

    I got mine today, doesn't work quite the same as the 360's..the UI is a bit different and doesn't operate as fluidly, but it's still cool nonetheless..

  • Alphamale001

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 9:40 pm GMT

    @PumpkinBoogie I only tried a couple movies and they all seemed to be stretched. Could be some setting I have turned on, I am not sure. I am sure it will be addressed shortly or someone will make a guide. I went through a ton of settings and didn't help.

    I didn't try any of the HD streams because I know the internet I have(at the moment) can't do it. I am sure the HD content or 16:9 aspect streams will be fine.

  • NuKkU

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 8:48 pm GMT

    thats cool

  • PumpkinBoogie

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 8:23 pm GMT

    @Alphamale001: ahh...ok. Well, I suppose with the upstart of a new sort of service you'll always experience kinks like that. So is it stretching all video like that or is it just for SD stuff? Sorry for all the q's, lol, I'm just nosy as to how this all works. I haven't had Netflix in well over a few yrs so I'm a bit curious as all these add-ons.

  • epross

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 7:48 pm GMT

    Only in the USA.....pity!

    BTW, if you get this reference you're old like me.

  • Alphamale001

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 7:41 pm GMT

    @PumpkinBoogie It depends on your internet connection. I like the interface for the PS3 better, but I am having problems with the video keeping the original aspect(4:3 video is stretched on my 16:9 TV). That is something that doesn't happen on the 360. But this is the first attempt and some bugs are going to happen. The 360's launch of this service wasn't sunshine and puppies.

  • melty3219

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 4:44 pm GMT

    people buy live to play online with friends not to stream netflix movies its no big deal!

  • monson21502

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 4:35 pm GMT

    @TevoxZi, i didnt know that. but it really dont help me much since i have no clue about parts like that. but thanks for trying to help. as for just paying to get it fixed so i can trade it for a slim. i dont want a ugly stripped down slim.maybe if they did a straight up trade. let me pay shipping only not the 150 fee.

  • Triton posted Nov 6, 2009 4:24 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Triton

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 4:24 pm GMT (hide)

    Great news I guess if you use your GAME system to watch movies.

  • PumpkinBoogie

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 4:14 pm GMT

    Well this might be something that certainly may sway me back into getting rejoining Netflix. Nice to see that lamesauce 'exclusivity' bit w/ MS fall (and no, that wasn't meant as some fangirl rant, just being honest). Clearly, I suppose Netflix realized exclusivity wasn't making them maximum amounts of money (hence their reason for also considering the Wii, as well).

    For those that have it (on PS3), how's the quality of video or is it even up and running yet?

  • bowlingotter

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 3:38 pm GMT

    @Xtremekirk It's a short enough article to read fully. Come on.

  • bowlingotter

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 3:37 pm GMT

    Just got my disc in the mail. Commence with the watching.

  • SopranosFan

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 3:28 pm GMT

    @twisted I own both not a fanboy so how can it work better on the PS3 it is watching movies so the movies probably look the same and if anything it will probably work better on the 360 until the firmware update for the PS3.

  • Alphamale001

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 3:14 pm GMT

    I might be missing a setting option here, but how to I make the playback use the original aspect ratio? Watching the Super Mario Super Show stretches to widescreen. Help me, what am I doing wrong?

  • cyclonebw

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 2:47 pm GMT

    @ JK731
    yes

  • JK731

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 2:04 pm GMT

    i was supposed to get mine today, but it didnt show... anyone get theirs?

  • JackHoleFace00

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 2:03 pm GMT

    @maverick_76
    ...alright. Then why'd you bother reading the article? Especially since this won't affect your gameplay? Anyway...

    For the rest of us, this is pretty sweet. The disc idea isn't awesome, but it's only temporary, and it doesn't defeat the purpose because you still get stuff on demand (i.e. you don't have to ship movies back and forth, wait, etc.). Is it BRD quality? Haven't seen yet. If so, that's awesome! Kudos to Sony, and it's nice to see the pendulum swing in PS3's favor for a change, as opposed to Microsoft buying exclusive rights or taking rights away (i.e. FF XIII, GTA IV and Fallout 3 DLC, etc.).

  • Ehggsz

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 1:44 pm GMT

    @Xtremekirk
    "...the Blu-rays must be used until next year, when a firmware update will add Netflix to the console's XrossMediaBar."

  • senjutsu

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 1:26 pm GMT

    For everyone that wants a Playstation Video Store in Canada: Sign the petition:

    http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/psnvideo/

    Thanks

  • joet1973

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 1:26 pm GMT

    I can't wait to get my disc too! Oh wait. I live in Canada... I live in Canada.

  • twistedmalice

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 1:15 pm GMT

    Nice. I can't wait to get my disk. I like how it works on the 360, but I think it would be better on the PS3.

  • Xtremekirk posted Nov 6, 2009 1:11 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Xtremekirk

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 1:11 pm GMT (hide)

    I just got my disk today and I have to say that it is a slight pain in the ass. I dont mean to sound prude or anything like that, but having to put a disk into my ps3 somewhat defeats the purpose of instant streaming. Im sure the quality is awesome and with the eventual streaming of Blu-Ray Im sure the service will be fine. But I think the Xbox has it better. You just select it as a channel and your off and running. Maybe the PS3 should follow suit with that, I can't imagine it would be that hard for Sony do to that

  • maverick_76

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 1:05 pm GMT

    As I have stated earlier, I probably won't use it. I play games in my spare time, not watch movies.

  • vf21x

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:58 pm GMT

    Sorry 360, it's our turn...........and it's FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • moe_rice

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:49 pm GMT

    wohoooooo and i just signed up for netflix

  • TevoxZi

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:49 pm GMT

    @KC_Hokie
    I've read otherwise, but whatever. Not a big deal anyways to argue about as I can't use Netflix as I'm European.

  • KC_Hokie

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:46 pm GMT

    @TevoxZi - The exclusivity ends with the Netflix disc coming to the PS3! It's Sony's software that can't handle any upgrade through the network. I love the way you tried to blame Microsoft for Sony's software woos.

  • TevoxZi

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:38 pm GMT

    @KC_Hokie
    Incase you haven't heard, the reason for that is the Netflix' exclusivity deal for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console. The only hole in that deal is making the Netflix on a BD Disc for Playstation 3. After the deal ends, the Netflix comes in the XMB menu without a requirement of a disc. It's not Sony's fault.

    Besides, comparing a service made in 2002 is pretty stupid compared to a service made in 2006, keeping in mind Microsoft is mainly a software company. Windows, anyone? But you got to admit, PSN is getting better and better everyday.

  • KC_Hokie

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:33 pm GMT

    The ability to stream Netflix through any device is pretty awesome (I've been doing it for over a year on my Xbox 360) and PS3 owners will love it. On a side note...it's clear Sony is years behind Microsoft in terms of console software...you have to use a Netflix Blu-ray disc in order to stream movies? There are blu-ray players with a fraction of the hardware capacity out there that have the proper software to run Netflix and don't need major firmware updates to do so.

  • Javieralijandro

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:31 pm GMT

    Sweet, now i might sub to netflix.

  • lukas1051

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:27 pm GMT

    Woo!

  • UnknownForm

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:23 pm GMT

    YEAH!, at least I finally don't need to pay $50/year to use Netflix on my console...

  • george999819

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:18 pm GMT

    Netflix hits PS3 only a year late.

  • HardCor1981

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:13 pm GMT

    I'm getting my disc today. I'll let you guys know if it works.

  • TevoxZi

    Posted Nov 6, 2009 12:02 pm GMT

    If only Netflix came out on Europe I might consider checking it out. Too bad it doesn't look like it'll happen anytime soon.

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