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.
LMAO!!! SUCK IT 3FIXME! THANX NETFLIX!!!
@ 207 you also forgot that you have to pay for netflix ever month face it dude it’s cheaper doing netflix on ps3 then it is on 360 lol sorry it’s just is. this is bad news for xbox 360 they are going to have to do something.
Does this mean 1080p and 5.1 audio?
to the Canadians if netflix doesn’t come to your country it’s your government fault not Sony. Canada much like Australia wants to be able control whats getting viewed in there country before it’s released publicly, plus Canada usually wants a piece of the action.
Good Job Sony!
Now update the web browser so facebook, twitter, and last.fm looks good, then allow it to run in the background so we can simply switch from game to internet, to run internet music.
this is why playstation 3 is leading the game console market and has been the last few years! it is truly the time of the digital generation! as a current netflix subscriber, this is another reason why i maintain loyalty to the sony brand.
Ahhhh, that’s me breathing a sigh of relief that this is finally coming to the PS3! The heaven’s have indeed opened up! Thank you Sony and PS3.
@243
i’m sure they did and are probably pissing there pants right now. i wouldn’t be surprises if as the sony deal comes toward the end. micro crap will try to come up with some totally lifetime exclusive blockbuster deal.
even tho is not needed is great addition!
GJ SONY.
YES! Finally, this was the one thing that I wanted the PS3 to do that it doesn’t already do. Awesome! My wife will be thrilled.
Great!! I’m very excited, although I really hope we don’t need to put in the disc every time we want to watch netflix on the PS3. Can’t you just add it to the XMB in the next update?
I have one question.
Why the disk?
I know its just a minor inconvenience but having to get up and put a ‘special’ streaming disk in kinda ruins the ‘instant’ aspect of it really. Hopefully in the future you’ll find a way to avoid this.
Personally I’ve been waiting for this to hit PS3 and give netflix a shot.
Sony why don’t you try and provide things for all your customers
@49 thats on its way too.
Okay and WHEN THE [DELETED]… is Europe going to get this? Because you can brag about it the PS3 is going to get it, but as long as XBL has netflix in Europe and the PS3 hasn’t, people with the wish of downloading movies won’t choose the PS3 over a 360 if they have to wait for another freaking 2 YEARS!!
We don’t even have the video channel yet! No classics, no play TV in Holland, no vidzone… I’m really getting sick and tired of all this!! You can piss at MS and so do I, but at least they make sure every region has the same stuff!
“MiChAeL6 | October 26th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Sony why don’t you try and provide things for all your customers”
Make that world wide customers…
Does anyone know if this is IP locked? If not… like the video channel is…
NICE!
Not directly from xmb? VERY disappointing
wow thats whats up I never saw this one coming BRAVO SONY!!!!!!!!!! I love you guys lol
@ 261 lol you need a disk but it will be added later in the xmb lol please read the whole post before you make a comment.
What!!! You’re not kidding Sony? We’re getting Netflix, it’s cool but I have a problem, I have no Netflix account and I don’t rent much movies these day, although I can get more anime out of Netflix if I have a subscription. Thanks for the Netflix Sony. I think Nintendo may do the same thing since there’s been speculation about it on every games news.
Sounds great but do I have to slide in that disc every time I want to watch. Better than nothing, but more of a hassle than I hoped for.
Great ! Since i’m in Canada, i’m gonna have not one but TWO useless buttons in my XMB !
@ 261 you know you have to go to the click right to get more information ? like i said before bad news for microsoft , lol they are going to need to do something if they want to keep there members who are not gold members lol they are getting played.
if only there wasn’t a monthly fee. i would like a pay per watch option being as though i wouldnt be renting that much a month.
Hope this comes to Canada !!!
awesome news.
I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I canceled my XboxLive Gold subscription. Definitely great to hear that it’s coming sooner rather than later.
YES! thank you
What an epic victory for the PlayStation 3… I have never used Netflix before, but just because of this, I believe I am going to have to sign-up. I’m also pretty sure that I’ll still buy videos from the PlayStation Store, so I can have hard-copies, too.
One question though – will the Netflix membership be available through our PSP, too? =)
SONY=WINRAR!
i love it, bring either netflix or zip.ca(canadian version)to Canada please!!
Way to not blow it Sony. For a bit there I thought you were gunna try to hold out because of your overpriced video rental store. I hate to break it to you but that stuff is completely uncompetitive with every other service out there.
Good work.
Cool, i rent when i can on the PSn store this just makes it way better…
I think this is awesoem now I don’t have to renew my xboxlive account. However, I do have aquestion. Why do we need a netflix DVD? can we not install teh software on the harddisk? Unlike xbox every PS3 has a hard drive.
Yea, if I’m reading this correctly we need a “Netflix Disc” in whenever we want to watch?
It’s not a huge deal, but honestly that takes a LOT of the convenience factor out of it. If I want to watch a show, I’d like to be able to simply turn on my PS3 and start. I don’t like swapping discs if I don’t have to. Like I said, not a BIG deal, but if I want to watch some of a TV series, but need a gaming break in the middle of it, I need to switch a couple of times? Just irritating–I want to be a fat guy on my couch!!!
Seriously though, really looking forward to this. I don’t subscribe currently, but this will make me try it for at least a month or two…
This would be amazing news if I wasn’t Canadian.
Thats awesom!! but i don’t get the disc you have to insert???
If this is compatible with Remote Play on PSP – then I am so in! Is it?
This article says that the BR disc is temporary until it’s in a FW update:
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20091026/tc_nm/us_sony_netflix_2
Also, a while back (in 2008), Netflix asked if you had to use a BR disc to watch it now, would you…
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/netflix-coming-to-xbox-360-and-ps3/
So for everyone complaining about the disc… at least it went from a possible one time $3 or $10 fee, to FREE disc.
Sorry Canada and overseas – find out who really is preventing you from getting Netflix, and complain to them…
I for one watch-it-now on my pc, and had this wild HTPC hookup to watch Netflix on the big screen – at least until Silverlight broke it. Glad to get it back, even with the disc!
For those who are disappointed that the ps3 now has Netflix, why would sony avoid this opportunity JUST BECAUSE Xbox already has it. That is the worst business decision EVER. Both companies have followed each other so shut it! BTW this is awesome Sony.
wow that’s nice, well done sony.
Dear Sony/SCEA, could you help this company out : http://www.zip.ca, help them stream & bring it to the PS3 for us canadians.
WE’D LOVE IT ALOT! TYVM.
This is awesome. I like the approach and think it’s a good way to make sure the person is indeed a subscriber and not just sharing their account.
So we need to put a disc in every time? I am very grateful this is coming to the PS3 but don’t see why they don’t just add it to the XMB so I don’t have to put a disc in every time I want to fire up Netflix.
Sweet…my Xbox 360 just became even more useless to me…I have been hoping the PS3 would get Netflix, it seemed like one of the obvious next steps it should take and it looks like it is finally going to happen. Hopefully the disc will come out soon.
Nice News!!!!!
hey sony can you make ps3 output at 1360×768 resolution please not everyone has a 1080p tv.
Awesome news :D
Should’ve been there day 1 though. God I hate Micro$oft.
Has anyone stopped to think that MAYBE the disc being required is due to Sony wanting to get this out to its users ASAP??? I for one, would rather have a slight inconvenience for a little while and have the service IMMEDIATELY, as opposed to Sony/Netflix waiting until they could put a program together months from now. Its important for the PS3 to have this feature going into the holiday shopping season! Hopefully, more people will see the PS3 light and force Microsoft to reconcider charging people for something that the PS3 offers for free.