Attention, PlayStation 3 owners: want to watch a movie streamed instantly from Netflix via your PS3? I’ve got terrific news for you; very soon you’ll be able to do just that.
We’re excited to announce today that Netflix and Sony have partnered to bring you thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed instantly from Netflix to your TV via your PS3 system at no extra charge. When the application launches next month, you’ll be able to access and watch thousands of Netflix choices directly through the XMB. We think that the nearly nine million PS3 enthusiasts and 11.1 million Netflix members in the U.S. will make quite a match.
If you want to get a head start on your PS3 Netflix experience, you can sign up today at http://www.netflix.com/ps3.
For more information, check out the press release below (or click here), and stay tuned to the PlayStation.Blog for further updates on the rollout.
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COMING SOON: NETFLIX MEMBERS CAN INSTANTLY WATCH MOVIES AND TV EPISODES STREAMED TO TVs VIA THE PLAYSTATION®3 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
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.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its digital services which include the PlayStation®Network and the PlayStation®Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one® game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world’s largest online movie rental service, with more than more than 11 million subscribers. For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. There are never any due dates or late fees. Netflix members can exchange DVDs as often as they want using a postage-paid return envelope. Members can choose from a vast selection of DVD titles and a growing library of movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. Netflix is partnering with leaders in consumer electronics to bring to market a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to members’ TVs. These devices currently include Blu-ray disc players and new Internet TVs from LG Electronics; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung and Best Buy’s Insignia brand; the Roku digital video player; Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console; TiVo digital video recorders; and, soon, the PS3 system and Internet TVs from Sony and VIZIO.
@90: Pointless? Perhaps a bit inconvenient, but far from pointless. Pointless would be if you needed Netflix to send you a new activation disc every time you want to watch instantly.
Good news! Now all Netflix has to do is put better movies to stream.
Have to wait for more news, but “initially” doesn’t assuage the fears. Next paragraph:
“Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly.”
Note that’s [insert disc] to [see choices]. I hope that initially means that they just don’t have the firmware ready to go, so until they do, you’ll need the disc? I hope?
Very cool. Definitely plan to use this a lot. :D
Great, now when is a fix for the over active fan coming? Started with 3.00 and needs to be corrected.
CRTC won’t allow Netflix to offer service to Canada. Screw the CRTC.
Can’t blame Sony or Netflix on this one!
netflix sucks anyway, no new movie updates all the time (or is it LoveFilms I’m thinking about?):/
i wonder if you can even use it in UK.
Anyway…SKY TV will be sweet!
Any chances of CC(Closed Caption) or subtitles happening for Netflix, Steve? I am deaf.
What about using my PS3 Bluray remote? Can I use that just like the wireless controller?
Wow! Totally awesome, and I can’t wait! Take that X-box 360!!!
There seems to be some confusion over this. Let me set things straight.
1. You DO need a install disc from netflix (at least until they release it through a firmware which is NOT announced)
2. The disc is a one time install deal. Meaning you stick it in, install and take the disc out. You can then throw the disc away if you like cause you dont need it any more unless you are going to install it on other systems.
3. Netflix will not replace the PSN store. it will be just like on the 360 where you can add movies to you list for the disc base versions to come in the mail AND you will have watch instantly on the PS3 which is a feature of Netflix users that has around 11,000 movies you can watch streaming for free.
w00t
Yes thank you so much. I’m really looking forward to this.
@ Marsz85
I’m sure you won’t have a problem using the ps-3 blu-ray remote to navigate netflix!
@105 I call bull crap on that. M$ has a video store up here in Live. It may not be as big as the US counterpart, but it still has a lot of movies. So they CAN do it, they just can’t be bothered doing it.
awesome post is awesome
oh and Netflix is US only. They do not operate outside the US. Just like Sky Tv does not work in the US.
@ Marsz85
I’m sure you won’t have any problems using the blu-ray remote to navigate netflix!
I can’t believe today. The best to things happened today.
The Yankees are going to the World Series and now this.
Who can’t be happier?
This is amazing. Finally I get to get a use of my netflix account. I’m really lazy when it comes to put more movies in my queue but with the ps3 getting netflix. It’s just going to be am unstoppable force. I love you Sony and I love you Netflix!
I also agree with nova… You guys at Sony should just make a downloadable app for Netflix that can be downloaded threw the psn store instead of wasting so much money on hardware (The Netflix CD).
By the way, thanks again Love you guys.
Can’t wait for Party Chat and Game Invite (of course those should be done while your doing anything on the ps3).
For those who can’t wait for Sony to say something about it. Party chat will be released in about a half year. Just be patient. Slowly the Ps3 is taking over the world.
:-)
syk1288
Haha nice.
This is great news, I’ve been using Playon Media server for my netflix streaming, but I’m sure the interface and quality will be 10x better. THANKS! SO excited!
Awesome, it just brings the PS3 a step closer to being the ultimate Console out there.
Sign me up for Netflix.
Finally!
YES! I honestly believed this would not happen. I read news on a site that stated Netflix announced partnering with someone, but figured it would be a competing platform.
I can’t commend your efforts enough, great job guys!
Thanks for making the PS3 experience one that I am proud to call my choice.
What bout CANADA?
We still DONT HAVE A VIDEO STORE?
IS CANADA GETTING THIS OR NOT.
Like we always get things last.
Why oh why?
Is it because we can have milk in bags or what?
Sony, release that Cross game chat and PSN will be undoubtedly the winner of this generation :). Excellent news
Awesome. Really excited to hear this, I might actually give Netflix a try not that it’ll be on my PS3. Great job guys! All we need now is last.fm and I’ll be SOOOO happy. That’s one of the few features I’m envious of that’s going to the 360.
HELL YES!!!
I hope the disc doesn’t need to be used every time I want to view some netflix action ……………………………………does it?
Will there be a trial? :) I’ll check out the prices and such, thanks ;D
I hope we don’t need to have the instant streaming disc in the PS3 when we want to watch Netflix movies!
good job sony, but will you always need a disk, or well we be able to download something to play netflix later on?
thank you thank you thank you, cant thank you enough sony.
Awesome news! Exactly what I was hoping for. The PS3 can now be the entertainment device I have wanted it to be. This is really just icing on the cake.
This is absolutely fantastic!!! I’ve been considering getting a Netflix account for a while now, and this just sweetens the deal. Good job, Sony! :)
NVM, there appears to be a trial, and for 8.99 a month, well that’s pretty good deal with the average movie rental being 2 bucks for a day for a new release.
People keep asking about EU and Canada, Netflix does not provide service in those countries thus you can’t get it. The PR also says “Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system,” so unsure why there is confusion. It’s USA only.
Great news! Keep it up!!
this is awesome.
can’t wait to use this!
Once again Europe get [DELETED] all over. Damn you.
Damn. Great news. Just another feature to put in on par with 360 feature set.
As someone who has both the PS3 and the 360… I am sorry to say that Sony’s network and PSN could use some help. I happily pay $50 a year for gold service on the 360. I would pay for a Sony service too, if it was worth it. Every game on XBLA is available to play as a demo. I would buy more PSN titles if I could try them first. Half the time I can’t even load the preview video (on the rare chance there is one) for a game even though I am online and accessing everything else just fine. Maybe that is why they need a disk to access Netflix…
Finally. But get rid of that disk please. How annoying.
A bit early for Christmas, but thank you!
U-S-A! U-S-A!
I already STREAM Netflix VIA PLAY ON a http://www.meadiamall.com application, yes its not free but it beats this DISC based crap. I’m sorry but I would rather have a FW update instead of keeping a disc laying around, that I MIGHT lose and have to pay for a replacement. NO THANKS. I will keep my PLAY ON application, besides I can watch even more than just NF I can watch HULU.com TV shows, less money wasted in the PSN video store, $2.00 shows is rediculous, it all adds up, a season can be as much as a DVD version of a box set. PLAY ON still PWNS this so called update. Not to mention I have a 360, and I already have the ability to stream from either console and my PC with an HDMI cable. Sony is trying to compete with MS, but they need to lose that disc requirement. I am happy to have both consoles, they are both GREAT.RROD aside, which doesn’t happen anymore,or as much since they have new Motherboards that run cooler. Can PSN get me LAST.FM on my ps3? as a PSN application, LAST.FM doesn’t work on PS3’s I would like to have it on my ps3. Just saying..
Awesomesauce! I’m highly contemplating to get a subscription now…
How long are we going to have to use a BD disc to use this feature?
I’d rather just download this from the PS Store and not even bother with the disc. Leaving my copy of Uncharted 2 in the drive while watch my movie or tv show.
lol KazeEternal ^^^^
Sweet!
I love watching movies and this is def. guaranteed me to get a netflix account now!
And for all you that say stop trying to be like xbox, shut up!
Im betting alot of people are happy that its finally possible on the ps3 too!
Im pretty sure everyone is happy…errr except microsoft and their fanboys lol =D
whay you do that SONY we in Europ want thes Service too but you only do thes to USA
Excellent news except why do we need an instant streaming disc? Is it a one use thing that installs the app to the PS3 or do we have to use the disc anytime we wish to use Netflix?