The news broke late Sunday night that Netflix would be coming to the PS3 next month. According to a press release from Netflix, the popular movie and tv show rental company will no longer be exclusively supporting the Xbox 360. Netflix will begin streaming via the PS3 next month at no additional cost to members in the United States that have a PSN account. By comparison, Microsoft requires users to have Xbox Live Gold ($50 a year) in order to access Netflix.
“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.”
In order to take advantage of the service, members will have to order a free Blu-Ray disc that will enable movie streaming on the PS3. The company will use Blu-Ray’s BD-Live feature to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system. All you have to do is slide the disc into the system to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. These titles are organized into a variety of categories based on members’ personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members’ individual instant queues.