Rumour: Netflix coming to PS3?
by Jem Alexander 
{ Feb 12th 2008 at 1:30PM }
We've already reported on Netflix's decision to go Blu-Ray exclusive but the service could also be coming to the PS3 in a completely different form entirely. If Seanbajuice is to be believed then we could be seeing a streaming movie service from Netflix for the PS3 before the end of the year. The blogger claims that he received a survey from Netflix asking about whether anyone in his household would use a downloadable movie rental service available through his PS3.The survey goes on to detail the service, saying "Now you can watch movies from Netflix instantly by using your Internet-connected Playstation 3. Simply insert a special Netflix disc into your PS/3 to enable instant movie streaming. The disc is available from Netflix for a one-time fee of $3." Apart from the $3 disc, this service would be essentially free, as long as you have a paid Netflix account.
We would love to see a service like this, but considering that this is the only source we can find with this information, we're labelling it as a rumour for now.
[Via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
adamantypants @ Feb 12th 2008 1:34PM
Sweet baby Jesus I'd be in all the way.
gordon_strange @ Feb 12th 2008 1:51PM
slow day is it? anyway, when are we gonna get some dirt on the upcoming Star Wars game:The Force Unleashed? 360fanboy have been all over it, so has vanity fair! unless I've missed something then of course I apologise. keep up the good work etc
psn: gordon_strange
josh @ Feb 12th 2008 1:47PM
pretty cool feature, I have been pondering a netflix account, and somthing like this would make me get one. Streaming on the pc is nice, but streaming to my living room tv, that is great.
Joe @ Feb 12th 2008 2:06PM
I don't know why they would have to send you a disk, as opposed to being able to install a program over PSN, but what the heck -- for the convenience, I'd be willing to pay $3 easy.
Dan Davis @ Feb 12th 2008 1:53PM
Looks like I may be switching back from Blockbuster! That 1 tb eSATA drive is starting to look mighty appealing :)
bs6268d @ Feb 12th 2008 1:53PM
I just want a video market place 1080p from Sony just like xbox live
Popfrogs @ Feb 12th 2008 10:58PM
Is it really 1080p or is it upscaled 640x480 like most of their games?
Spoony @ Feb 12th 2008 2:19PM
Yea i switched to Blockbuster online since i could trade disks in store for free rentals but if they give me unlimited free streaming to my ps3 for the same price i'm sold.
James @ Feb 12th 2008 2:14PM
Man, I would all over that like white on rice. I'm already planning to subscribe so I can watch on my PC, but it's nice not to have to hook my PC up to my TV to watch on the big screen. This is a fantastic, fantastic idea.
Organic_Shadow @ Feb 12th 2008 2:42PM
THIS would convince me to get a Netflix account. The ondemand stuff on my comcast digital box thing are slim pickins. I get my choice of crappy porn, free years old cartoon episodes, and "new releases" movies that have already been out on dvd for months.
I don't care about a disc. It will probably end up just being a firmware update instead of a disc, but as long as I get any movie I want, WHEN I want it streamed to me without having to go through comcast then sign me up. I'll do the cheapest account they have.
Organic_Shadow @ Feb 12th 2008 2:56PM
THIS would convince me to get a Netflix account. The ondemand stuff on my comcast digital box thing are slim pickins. I get my choice of awful adult movies, free years old cartoon episodes, and "new releases" movies that have already been out on dvd for months.
I don't care about a disc. It will probably end up just being a firmware update instead of a disc, but as long as I get any movie I want, WHEN I want it streamed to me without having to go through comcast then sign me up. I'll do the cheapest account they have.
Organic_Shadow @ Feb 12th 2008 2:42PM
hooray for the broken ps3fanboy comment system
Mojo Yugen @ Feb 12th 2008 3:04PM
While I'd be all for this let's remember that Netflix's streaming is still pretty limited. Of the 200 movies I have in my queue only 12 of them are viewable online (and most of those are from the History or Discovery channel).
Otsego_Undead @ Feb 12th 2008 3:09PM
As a very satisfied 4-movies-at-a-time netflix subscriber of 3 years, this will undoubtedly kick some major ass if it comes to fruitition. Sounds very viable.. and since they've chosen already to go Blu- it makes sense. Sony should help out with this as well since it will be another awesome selling point.
xrich @ Feb 12th 2008 9:04PM
I don't know about everyone else's dl speed, but I don't have the patience to download blu-ray's on my isp.
Fraser JK @ Feb 12th 2008 3:27PM
I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!
I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!I'm in UK!
Afreet @ Feb 12th 2008 3:28PM
If you are a Netflix subscriber, and you like this idea, tell them! If they get a few hundred thousand pieces of feedback from their comment page that says "Yes, we would LOVE Netflix via PS3", it will keep them moving in the right direction.
MIT @ Feb 12th 2008 3:58PM
This will be an absolute slam dunk for NetFlix... I suggested this feature to the NetFlix as part of a customer survey / feedback.. This will be a very tempting service to 10 - 50+ Million PS3 players within the next 1 - 5 years
HazyCloud @ Feb 12th 2008 4:30PM
You guys do know that the CEO of NetFlix is on Microsoft's Board of Directors, right?
If any type of streaming NetFlix service comes to consoles, I would safely assume the Xbox 360 would see it first. Although MS may not let that happen since the Video Marketplace is so popular and the NetFlix service could cut into profits.
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/netflix-ceo-joins-microsoft-board/
Pete @ Feb 12th 2008 4:12PM
Meh. Watch Now is a tiny bit better than You Tube quality when viewed on a large screen TV. And it only has stereo sound.
I have a home theater PC hooked up to my Sony 60" TV, and I have only ever used Watch Now once. Once I saw how poor the quality was, I decided not to use it again.
The macro blocking was horrible. The pixelization was even worse.
Justin @ Feb 13th 2008 12:23PM
Uh I'm not sure what the problem is with yours. I have a 42" plasma and the full screen looks at least as good as DVD, maybe marginally better.
It's no Blu-ray but it certainly isn't as bad as you make it out to be. I'd even say it even beats transcoding via TVersity.
Integrate the Sony BD remote with the Netflix movie player functions and it'd be perfect.
Sora57 @ Feb 12th 2008 4:38PM
I would love this. I would open a Netflix account just for this.
GRT @ Feb 12th 2008 5:08PM
I guess no one follows links...
The rumor is for both the 360 and the PS3.
jlrang @ Feb 12th 2008 5:10PM
It's not a rumor.
https://research.netflix.com/entgmrsflwup0208qnt.htm
james @ Feb 12th 2008 5:45PM
It let me take the survey; I hope it counts for something.
saul @ Feb 12th 2008 5:36PM
ok, it would come to both, and the xbox users wouldn't have to use a disk. do they know about PSN? i voted as an xbox user who wouldn't use the service. i should get an "i voted" sticker for voting in the netflix primaries.
if the CEO of netflix is on the MS board why did they go blu yesterday when microsoft has such a stake in HDDVD? that doesn't make sense.
sony needs to figure out this whole digital movie delivery thing, exclusivity on this would be a slam dunk.
Pete @ Feb 12th 2008 8:10PM
MS doesn't have that big of a stake in HD-DVD. They didn't even build it into Vista.
Tarheel @ Feb 12th 2008 5:44PM
I'd love this, but why a disc? Why not just get an app through the PS3 web browser that can be installed next to the Folding@home app?
Tarheel @ Feb 12th 2008 5:44PM
I'd love this, but why a disc? Why not just get an app through the PS3 web browser that can be installed next to the Folding@home app?
The Sound @ Feb 12th 2008 5:54PM
my ps3 and 25mpbs FiOS line would love this.
Hoffer @ Feb 12th 2008 7:02PM
Netflix and LG recently announced a set top box for streaming this stuff. In the announcement I read, the CEO stated they were working to get the streaming on gaming consoles. So, I would expect it to come to both Xbox 360 and PS3.
I have both consoles. So, I've got my bases covered.
George Arauz @ Feb 12th 2008 7:27PM
I thought it was going to the 360 only? Nice change to see
DC502 @ Feb 12th 2008 10:11PM
If netflix does this then I am sure they would immediately start releasing more and more movies for streaming.
Hopefully the interface will be nice.
aiko.adonia @ Feb 13th 2008 3:53AM
i already use the instant viewing feature on my laptop. now with my laptop broken though and my ps3 currently my only internet connection this cannot come fast enough!
HazyCloud @ Feb 13th 2008 8:43AM
I take my comment back. It seems it is coming to both consoles. Well at least the survey suggests it.
davebo @ Feb 13th 2008 11:31AM
Netflix subscriber since 2000, and I had no interest in their PC streaming since it requires the latest Windows Media Player. The PS3 would be the perfect solution for me though, and would certainly save them money on postage. Take the survey and let them know what you think.
Richard @ Feb 15th 2008 6:11PM
I already have a Netflix account, which I love already, and if they offered this service for my PS3, that would be just awesome. I just hope they are talking about streaming HD movies. Not standard definition.