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.
i’ve never used netflix but for 8.99 im sure ill check it out i’ve lovd the psn video service so this is a definate. my ps3 has been the centerpiece of my man cave and just gets better! Congrats for showin “them’ the real meaning of entertainment lol.
Sooo….if I have 2 PS3s, do I need 2 Netflix discs if my kids want to watch a movie in one room and the adults want to watch something else in the living room?
Or will the disc simply add software to the memory of each PS3 that idenfies it as a Netflix machine – thereby once the Netflix disc is read, that particular PS3 is good to go and we only need one disc?
This is awesome news! The netflix service is one of 2 things that the xbox has that the PS3 didn’t (the other being xgame party chat).
Combine this with the PSN movie store and there should be no lack of entertainment on the PS3!
Now if sony could some sort of deal going with fancast and hulu….I would be SUPER happy.
…PS….I will be taking a week off gaming to watch all the instant stream Dr.Who from the comfort of my couch lol
Oooo yeah, I’m with ykiki5.
I would like to know if the Disc is required each time you wish to connect to netflix or is it more of a “install” disk in which only needs to be used once per machine?
Very good news! Can’t wait
well i have both systems love em both but this is great news now i can enjoy my netflix account on both my ps3’s scattered around my house, and comparing netflix to either machines buy as you go services is silly net flix gives you thousands of movies and tv to watch and you dont have to pay per movie making it the best value bar none if i paid even a dollar for every movie i watch on net flix i would incur a personal debt that rivals the national debt lol ok well maybe not but still, its cool and kudos to sony now i just need it to connect to yahoo im!!
This is a great move and I find it hilarious when people tell Sony to “stop being like the 360” lol. The PS3 should do everything the competition does AND more.
i know this day would come where net flix stop being exclusive to xbox live i was a matter of time the best new ever
Make it the Firmware Update 3.60 and add Chat between games to it…lol
No jk….great update, love my ps3.
LOL i was almost the post 360 LOL
almost 360 lol
“At no extra charge”, Ha!
Pure awesomeness and major kudos to Sony.
Awesome count me in as a new subscriber to netflix! Coolio
YES!!!! Netflix movie Streaming for the WIN!!! Sign me up Please! thank you Sony and Netflix
Will there be HD streaming?
Some kind of update about Canada would be nice. I’m sure it’s red tape with the government but an update would be nice.
OOOHH.. just thought of something
With the Sony/Netflix Partnership.. Does this mean we can expect even more Blu Ray discs available for rental on netflix?
Seriously. I can now get rid of my Xbox Live Gold membership now.
Will Netflix charge a extra dollar for HD? like they do for Blu-Ray? Boo on Netflix! Will they give you adiscount for downloading it and saving them money?
Nice news for Americans.
not so good news for the US Postal Service though.. they are already experiencing financial cuts and more and more mail gets electronically sent, pretty soon, there wont even be a US Postal Service.. that’s an awful lot of jobs lost to US workers.. I understand its all in the name of convenience, but it’s not exactly a good thing..
and will this not cut into Sony’s own online video service… I mean, any Netflix subscriber may not have been using Sony’s movies on the PS3, but if they were, they’d no longer need it.. I can see this as being a good way to catch up on TV shows more than anything… but movies, i personally prefer to buy and own the ones i like.. the disks, boxes, etc.. I just recently cancelled my Blockbuster Online thing, so, this may be something i go with tho, depending on pricing and whether the streaming will be solid or if it will be buffering and stalling sometimes… I do not want to watch a movie with that kind of interruption..
oh wait its not just an extra $1.00 anyo\more for Blu-ray its between $2-$4 depending on your plan. Epic fail netflix!
great, another feature we Europeans can’t get.
Why does it need a disc? Why can’t it be integrated with the XMB?
The Netflix disc requirement is slightly inconvenient. Regardless, this is terrific news!
finally
Seriously folks…
If you wanted to watch a Blu-Ray movie what would you do? You would put the Blu-Ray disc in the player.
Now, if you want to watch the thousands of movies available on Netflix, what will you do? You put the NetFlix disc in the player.
Is that SOOOO unbearable? The discs are free and you can get as many as you want. If the kids are upstairs and want to watch Netflix, they put the disc you have next to your Blu-Ray movies upstairs in. Meanwhile, you can watch Netflix downstairs by putting the disc you have with your games downstairs in.
Seriously, it’s not like you’re using the Blu-Ray drive in the PS3 for anything else, right?
Hopefully there’ll be stacks of these free discs at places like Best Buy and Gamestop so people can easily get their hands on them.
does anybody know if Canada going to get this?
i’ve read the press release but only mention us residents.
I bet it’s a BD-Live app and that’s why it’s not yet available for download on PSN Store. In that case, they’d have to port it to PS3 to make it available as a download. That is what would take time, I bet.
I’m glad the disc is available now!
Oh yeah, I had to quit renting Psn movies , because Redbox by the house is way cheaper. Now Netflix, it’s over.
Canada still doesnt have the psn video service, I bet we’re not getting netflix. shame. Do something about sony please
again, bring chrono trigger and chrono cross to psn please
MEGATON, lol, nicely played Sony, nicely played!!! 8D
@378,381 etc.
Netflix is a US based company that does not currently offer their service outside of the US. SONY isn’t going to change that.
Thank you very much Sony.
YES!!! Now all PSN needs is Cross game chat! We’re waiting Sony…
RE: Ruffday
We have a Redbox near our area as well and it’s great! $1.99 a movie, can’t beat that – until now. As you said it, with Netflix paving the way onto the PS3, there is no need to use Redbox anymore. I’m just happy that we don’t have to pay twice to use Netflix like you would on the 360 as the service is only available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. I mean really, why have people pay a “cover” charge to access content on a service. What is this the bar?
as I”am from Canada will this be something else we can see
comericals for and watch clips of tv & movies we CAN’T
get so who CARES PS3 LOVE FROM Canada
@377
But that’s the thing. We’re not WATCHING a BluRay. We’re WATCHING an “instant” stream. Half of the convenience of said stream is not having to deal with discs (yea, not even ONE disc) but to simply sit down, pick a stream, and watch.
I’m not saying it’s terrible. I’m just saying it’s kind of backwards in terms of the way it’s being offered.
“Seriously, it’s not like you’re using the Blu-Ray drive in the PS3 for anything else, right?”
Sorry for playing video games in addition to watching movies/TV shows?
I wonder if a ps3 digital version only would sell (like psp go)
air force one, epic movie
HD Streaming and eventually no disc for PS3 Netflix!
For all the speculators/haters:
Netflix On PlayStation 3 Details: HD Streaming, Eventually No Disc Required
http://bit.ly/RcCmF
PS3/Netflix “It only does everything” commercial mentioning it is FREE!!! if you already have Netflix and only $9 if you don’t = AN ABSOLUTE MUST!
Hope that it will be available to Canadians… ;0)
I can’t use this because I live in Puerto Rico even we are from US but is weird that people have to use it via a BR disc and not in the xmb
man FFS i dnt understand y USA ps3(psn) gets all the gd stuff first and EU hav 2 wait fr years and years fr thm to come out :@ im relly getting pissd off now!!!!! whts wrong wiv sony man it makes me feel lyk they dont care bout EU ps3 owner.
It ONLY does everything! GO SONY!!!
TAKE THAT, you pathetic, filthy Xbots and PS3 haters. You can all go to Hell!
*Give Jack Tretton a raise!* XD
@394….
Comprehension for the win.
This is NETFLIX offering the service. Does NETFLIX exists in the EU? What that? No, is you answer. So what the haybail is SONY supposed to do about that?
BTW…EU/UK has PlayTV and Vidzone and iPlayer…3 services not available in the US.
this is AWESOME! I actually once considered a 360 for the netflix feature alone. So glad I didn’t. I officially now have no reason to pick up that console.
About the whole disc that needs to be in the drive, not such a huge deal. Its nothing different from inserting a DVD inside your player when u want to watch a movie but I hope that its implemented to the XMB sometime in the future. GOOD JOB SONY!
Hey Mr. Swasey! Umm the link provided only lets you enter your e-mail for more news. But since I’m a Netflix suscriber I logged in and there is an option to request the BD-ROM needed to stream movies.
Secondly, this news made my day!
This is a completely different thing than the PSN video store. It’s on the Xbox 360 and TiVo and both have had purchasable and rentable downloadable video for quite some time.
The player is an app solely for Netflix subscribers, so if you’re not one, the addition of it doesn’t affect you in any way. Unlike the Xbox and TiVo, where installation of the feature was not optional, you don’t get it unless you go to the Netflix site and ask for a disc.
What it gives Netflix subs is streaming access to a library of some 18,000+ titles (you can see a current list at http://instantwatcher.com/). Playback starts “instantly” and you can access it randomly, advancing from the beginning of the movie to any point within it quickly. They don’t include the latest popular theatrical releases, but it’s free of charge for current Netflix subs. A small set of titles have 720p24 encodings (550 now) which you get if your connection to their server is fast enough, something <5 Mbps.
I enjoy it, partly because it's free :). Now I'll have four things that can stream Netflix: PC, 360, PS3 and TiVo Series3 :). So far, the Xbox GUI is the best, but the PS3 is quieter and I use it for most of my video viewing–I'll probably use it.