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PS3 Netflix to be disc-free by fall - Report

  • By Eddie Makuch, GameSpot
  • Posted Jul 22, 2010 4:32 pm PT

Company's CEO promises Sony's console won't need DVD to view content by October; more content coming including all seasons of Family Guy.

Currently, PlayStation 3 subscribers who want to watch streaming content from Netflix on their systems need a special DVD to do so. However, the video rental giant's CEO today promised that come October, that disc will no longer be necessary.

What's that red circular thing on the left?

What's that red circular thing on the left?

According to MediaMemo, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has promised that the company will make good on its promise to make its streaming content--an assortment of television shows and feature films--available without the need for a disc.

“Before our next call in October, we expect to be launching a major new version of our Sony PS3 user interface which doesn’t require a disc and is dynamically updated continuously with the latest Netflix UI improvements,” Hastings said.

The executive did not mention if the Nintendo Wii--which also requires a disc to play streaming content---will receive similar treatment. Currently, Microsoft's Xbox 360 is the only home console available that allows subscribers to stream Netflix content without inserting a disc.

Additionally, according to the report, 61 percent of Netflix's 15 million subscribers are now streaming video over the Web, which is up from 37 percent a year ago. The company is spending more to bring content to subscribers as well and recently added shows like Futurama and 24 to the list of available on-demand programs. Looking ahead, Netflix will add all seasons of the dysfunctional family cartoon Family Guy in the coming weeks.

38 Comments

  • anachin13

    Posted Apr 18, 2011 4:58 pm GMT

    Honestly, Netflix is crap. What they said: "Watch any movies or any TV shows in instant" Really, I can't even watch a 1977 movie. I mean seriously? I suggest to you people not to sign up and be a member of this creepy software.

  • meluvulongtime8

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 7:27 pm GMT

    it's nice to get a time frame on when it's coming. Was beginning to wonder if this was forgotten or dropped. Now Netflix just needs to add more quality movies/shows and I'll be an even happier subscriber.

  • vf21x

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 3:16 pm GMT

    And the best part is that it's stll FREE to use on PSN as long as you have a subscriptiont to Netflix!!

    XBOX Live requires a gold (paid) account ot use Netflix, which is BS MS!!!,,,but you just keep giving your $ away to Bill Gates, he needs more!!

    Discless xbox advantage is gone. PSN version now unquestionably, the best version.....and still FREE to use!!!!!!

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 12:53 pm GMT

    @gamemaster2200 It was announced that they would eventually do it. Now we have a timeline for when to expect it.

  • monson21502

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 11:29 am GMT

    great news, i hate having to find the disc when i feel like watching a streamed movie

  • gamemaster2200

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 10:56 am GMT

    I could have sworn that i read an article, like, six months ago on here saying that you wouldn't need the disk to watch Netflix.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 8:40 am GMT

    I will be very upset if Sony puts this in the PS Plus-only pile. I fear that they may considering their recent Hulu announcement. I can live with the disc if that is the case and if they don't cut off the disc after they release the updated software. I use Netflix a lot on my PS3.

  • icekids

    Posted Jul 23, 2010 12:10 am GMT

    @johny300,,,nope ok ^_^

  • amaan4ever

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 10:03 pm GMT

    i thought it was already like that

  • 70sGamer

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 9:49 pm GMT

    Awesome. I've been using my PS3 as a Netflix "Box" for a while, now. No need to wait on DVDs [unless they're new] and instant gratification. No disc = all-the-better. With HULU coming to PS3, soon, this box is looking to be a regular video-lover's dream.

  • izmickey

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 8:43 pm GMT

    This is a win-win for everyone. Its great that all 3 systems have Netflix. More convenient for consumers instead of getting DVDs through the mail. Also its more earth friendly.

  • Ravenlore_basic

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 8:20 pm GMT

    MS since PS3 is getting some love why not let Silver Live users be able to USE Netflex??? Instead of charging $50.00 dollars for gold service to use Netflex!!

  • cornerback3

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 8:13 pm GMT

    Cool

  • VengfulOne

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 8:03 pm GMT

    Sometimes I forget I can play games on my ps3. It's an excellent media center and it keeps getting better. Now they just need to add .mkv playback and I'm all set!

  • Flint247

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 8:01 pm GMT

    Good update.

  • hunter8man

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 7:48 pm GMT

    That's great, but I want a better selection of movies.

  • MissObvious

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 7:42 pm GMT

    Woo! It's about time! Now I won't have to switch back and forth just to watch Netflix.

  • benjy117

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 7:33 pm GMT

    but what most people dont think about is bandwidth. The more people that stream netflix the more it ticks off the ISPs. People need to realize that when you stream video content all the time you are taking away someone else's bandwidth at times. This is why ISP's enforce caps now. Streaming HD content is killing the circuits bandwidth like OJ simpson with a knife and glove who couldn't help himself cuz he had brain tumors from too many hard hits in the NFL... just don't know better...

  • reeree746

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 7:24 pm GMT

    It's great that PS3 is getting Netflix (even if I don't own a PS3) I want PS3 users to love Netflix on consoles just as much as I do on my 360.

    It's shouldn't about which console is better,it should be about keeping us gamers happy.

  • spoonybard-hahs

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 7:19 pm GMT

    The draw here isn't not having to use the disc. It's having a better UI.

  • johny300

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:49 pm GMT

    @icekids

    Hey dude i couldnt get wi-fi because my brother bought slim 360 so i cant get until late august. sorry.

  • rob42164

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:42 pm GMT

    i think i know why they are doing this i have been using my bro's disk for months now...they will send you an extra disk for 5 bucks. he got an extra one and gave it to me..i didn't use it much though i don't watch a lot of movies or tv though..that and there has been some issues with the discs messing up a lot I think as well

  • johny300

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:42 pm GMT

    SONY FTW.

  • icekids

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:37 pm GMT

    I live in Brazil, because of this I can not rent or buy movies on PSN, I wanted to buy movies, I hope that Sony launches PSN Brazil, after all, Brazil is the sixth richest country in the world, and the discovery of petroleum in Santos the Brazil will behold the third richest country in the world, and 80 percent of Brazil's population loves Sony

  • Evo8u posted Jul 22, 2010 6:20 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Evo8u

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:20 pm GMT (hide)

    Ps3 is my least played console I have ever owned. I wish I liked it as much as everyone else here I just find it to have some of the most over hyped games I have ever played. PS3=My bluray player.

  • ColeBeans

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:20 pm GMT

    cool

  • 198d

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 6:18 pm GMT

    it wasnt a huge hassle changing out disks but itll be nice not having to even worry about it...guess the disk will just become a coaster now. ...im just not sure why if netflix is doing it for ps3, but not for wii at the same time...oh well no biggie

  • Dire_Weasel

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:55 pm GMT

    The disc never was a problem for me. It's a great service with or without it.

  • Jipset

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:45 pm GMT

    Family Guy?

  • GunGriffin

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:39 pm GMT

    Cool First Sony gest third party developers back on board the PS3 train: EA, THQ, Square Enix, CapCom, and last but not least Ubisoft! All big time developers BTW..........

    Then they get Hulu on PS3 first. Now they are updating Netflix to work just like the Xbox360 version. Can you say Sony is back? With this stuff this year Sony is not far behind MS in anything other then the Cross Game Chat. ANd that I can live without, I just want a cheaper USB supported wired Headset to come with some PS3 systems, or controllers.

  • EmptySki

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:21 pm GMT

    This def an improvement i believe.

  • fetusfart18

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:19 pm GMT

    I never found the disc to be that much of a nuisance, but this is still a welcome improvement.

  • JDWolfie

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:11 pm GMT

    I was just wondering about this for the past few days and my wish came true!

  • JDWolfie

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:10 pm GMT

    All seasons of Family Guy? Yes! I was hoping since they had pretty much all of South Park's up there.

  • p2250 posted Jul 22, 2010 5:09 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    p2250

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:09 pm GMT (hide)

    have people heard of torrents?

  • bruthaman81

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:08 pm GMT

    That'll be cool to not to have to load disc, that way i go from playing a game straight to Netflix and back. I'm not lazy its just convenient that way.

  • PS2fweak

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 5:04 pm GMT

    awesome

  • luffy11234

    Posted Jul 22, 2010 4:47 pm GMT

    good, dont need no dvd it should be just streamed.

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