The one thing Sony's Playstation 3 console lacked in terms of "doing everything" was access to Netflix. Previously only available through a partnership with Microsoft, Netflix will soon be made available for streaming via your Sony Playstation 3. Very soon. Like next month. Woot!
For the price of $8.99 a month (the cheapest Netflix subscription with unlimited streaming and 1 disc at a time) you can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to your television on your Playstation 3 console. However, to start, the streaming of Netflix will be handled a little bit differently on the Playstation 3 than it was on the Xbox 360. By going to http://www.netflix.com/ps3 you can reserve your Blu-Ray Netflix disc (it's free) which will be how you access Netflix on your Playstation 3's XMB bar. The disc will take advantage of BD-Live technology to access the internet where you'll gain access to your Netflix instant queue and be able to load films/ shows and edit your queue just as you would with a computer or even Netflix on the Xbox 360.
Although it isn't hard to guess there will be an eventual firmware update for the PS3 that will allow Netflix access wtihout the Blu-ray disc, but for now, it's fine. It gets the service to us faster, and that's a good thing.
“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.”
So once again, if you missed the link before. Head over to http://www.netflix.com/ps3 to reserve your free Blu-ray Netflix disc if you're already a Netflix member. If you aren't, become one. Netflix rocks.
