Unlike the Xbox 360, there are additional fees to use the majority of the PS3's online services. This means that the 11.1 million Netflix subscribers who own one of the 9 million PS3s out in the US will be able to watch content on their TV's without having to pay any additional subscription fees.
Netflix adds yet another entertainment service to the bevy of options available on the PS3. With the ability to play Blu-ray movies, videos (downloaded or streamed from the internet or your PC), music, view photos, browse the web, and download films and shows from the PlayStation Network (PSN) the PS3 really is equipped to be the center of any home entertainment system.
"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."
Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings added, "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. 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."
The streaming service sounds similar in its offerings the Xbox 360 Netflix service. According to a Sony press release members will be able to queue up movies and shows they want to see via their computer, as well as browse them directly on the PS3 according to genre and other categories. Members will not only be able to browse and select content via the PS3, they will also be able to rate the materials they view, thereby customizing the suggestions they receive.
While the Netflix Disc will be a requirement to watch streaming content, utilizing Blu-ray's BD-Live feature, eventually, most likely late 2010, the service will be available for download directly to the PlayStation 3, most likely via a system update. When asked by various journalists why the PS3 needed a disc to use Netflix, when the Xbox 360 does not, neither Sony nor Netflix would comment, other than to say this was the "fastest" way to get the service to PS3 owners. Many have speculated that the disc is a way to get around the contract Netflix has with Microsoft until its expiration in 2010.
To be among the first to get the service, PS3 owners who already subscribe to Netflix can reserve their copy of the disc by visiting www.netflix.com/ps3.
