Netflix interested in PS3 video-on-demand service

by Chris Powell { Oct 26th 2007 at 6:00PM }

While Sony is planning a video distribution service through the PlayStation Network, it could have a partner waiting in the wings. In a Q3 earnings call, Netflix executive Reed Hastings alluded that the video rental giant would like to expand its services online through a variety of methods, one being "internet-connected game consoles."

The Netflix president, CEO and board chairman said, "In terms of enabling the viewing of online content on the television screen, we are exploring a variety of options, including Internet connected, high definition DVD players, internet connected game consoles, and dedicated internet set tops, with a variety of partners, trying to understand the best ways to provide inexpensive viewing of online content on the television."

This could be a perfect opportunity for Sony to offer a robust lineup of content right out of the gate with a proven company like Netflix. Who knows, though, if Sony will be willing to share its piece of the pie?

Tags: netflix, playstation-network, video-distribution

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neil @ Oct 26th 2007 6:16PM

I'd love to See Sony and Netflix get together on a PS3 video service. I'd be on board for sure.

RazielDune @ Oct 26th 2007 6:20PM

you know it'd be nice to have a set thing for a TV Tuner to.

ruibing @ Oct 26th 2007 6:23PM

I like owning the movies I like, so I would just get the BD releases unless Netflix and PS3 can make it really, really convenient for me. Then again, I have comcast which pulls the plug if you use too much bandwidth...

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Oct 26th 2007 6:34PM

If they partner up with Netflix, the PS3 would have a very powerful VOD service and Netflix would be gaining the money lost to other competing movie-rental-by-mail services.

Works both ways business-wise. If Sony's smart and they get into serious talk about this, they'd better do it!

Livi70590 @ Oct 26th 2007 6:34PM

Hurrah!

that is all.

Bryant @ Oct 26th 2007 6:37PM

Imagine unlimited movie rentals on the PS3 for under $20. SWEEEET.

Justin @ Oct 27th 2007 1:46AM

Netflix is looking at both consoles mind you.

nezromatron @ Oct 26th 2007 6:50PM

doo eeeet! I would be all over this. especially if they could deliver some HD content on there. I don't care how they lock it down, it could work the same way as now. ie. Before downloading a movie you have to 'return' ie. delete one of the movies you have 'out'.

Eliot @ Oct 26th 2007 7:46PM

I already watch ~5 Netflix movies a week and would love it if I could get them in HD. This would be much better than their "watch now" that I can't use on my Mac.

bilbravo @ Oct 26th 2007 8:56PM

You know, while it would make sense for both Sony and MS to get in on this, I agree that they likely will not because it would go against what they have going. However, Sony does not have anything going yet and this would likely be a nice way to sell more consoles. Integrated with my Netflix service already? That could make the difference for some people. Plus it would mean I wouldn't have to use Internet Explorer to watch Netflix movies on demand.

John @ Oct 26th 2007 10:12PM

Wow, that is huge news, I hope that Sony goes with it. For so many people, Netflix is synonymous with "Affordable, Easy, Convenient (trademark: Beloved Console), or "AEC" as it has come to be known. (I'm making this up, as I go)),

so if Sony were to ally themselves in North America with something that The People Deem 'Affordable, Easy, Convenient,' (stated like a chant)-- they would have an instant win.

Tahiri @ Oct 27th 2007 12:47AM

The smartest thing Sony could do is to say yes to this.

Simstim @ Oct 27th 2007 3:26AM

Don't get greedy Sony, go with this. It's a great idea

Starfire @ Oct 27th 2007 6:48AM

Sounds good- HD rentals without leaving the home. My PS3 connection downloads at lightening speed (a few gigs an hour) so it beats walking in the rain to the rental shop, especially at a flat rate. Nice HD would be the thing though- I'm getting a bit tired of the blurry (that's blurry, not blu-ray!) wide shots of SD.

Easo @ Oct 27th 2007 10:20AM

I have two questions (seriously I dont know and im too cheap to try)

1.)Netflix is intergrated into windows media center which can extend any of its content to the xbox 360. So if i download the movies through the WMC, will they come with any DRM that would prevent them from being shared on the 360?

2.)A basic linux os can be installed on the ps3, which can directly access the internet. What prevents me from using my ps3 as a PC and downloading the movies that way?

Thanks

SKI @ Oct 27th 2007 2:04PM

I think M$ would jump on this long before Sony would consider it.

tbor @ Oct 29th 2007 10:13PM

As a Netflix subscriber and a PS3 owner, I think this could be a great match up. However I don't think Sony will be so interested in sharing revenue with Netflix.

Instead I envision Sony spending a bundle developing their own video delivery system, with the hope of recouping it's cost by promoting Sony movie rentals.