Attention, PlayStation 3 owners: want to watch a movie streamed instantly from Netflix via your PS3? I’ve got terrific news for you; very soon you’ll be able to do just that.
We’re excited to announce today that Netflix and Sony have partnered to bring you thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed instantly from Netflix to your TV via your PS3 system at no extra charge. When the application launches next month, you’ll be able to access and watch thousands of Netflix choices directly through the XMB. We think that the nearly nine million PS3 enthusiasts and 11.1 million Netflix members in the U.S. will make quite a match.
If you want to get a head start on your PS3 Netflix experience, you can sign up today at http://www.netflix.com/ps3.
For more information, check out the press release below (or click here), and stay tuned to the PlayStation.Blog for further updates on the rollout.
*****
COMING SOON: NETFLIX MEMBERS CAN INSTANTLY WATCH MOVIES AND TV EPISODES STREAMED TO TVs VIA THE PLAYSTATION®3 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
With Movies Streamed Instantly from Netflix, Blu-ray/DVD Playback and Downloadable Videos via the PlayStation®Network, the PlayStation 3 System Offers The Industry’s Most Comprehensive Options for Watching Movies and TV Shows
FOSTER CITY and LOS GATOS, Calif., October 26, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) and Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced that they are joining forces to make thousands of movies and TV episodes from Netflix available to be streamed instantly to TVs via the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system.
Today’s announcement pairs two of the most popular and fastest growing home entertainment brands in the U.S. The PS3 system’s installed base has reached close to 9 million units in the United States, and Netflix recently reported 11.1 million U.S. subscribers as of September 30.
The partnership further solidifies the PS3 system as the most complete home entertainment hub on the market today, enabling consumers to play high-definition games, watch Blu-ray movies, listen to music, view photos, browse the Internet, and download content from PlayStation®Network − from exclusive games to blockbuster movies and popular TV shows. PS3 system owners will soon enjoy an unparalleled experience watching their favorite movies and TV shows streamed instantly from Netflix, downloading from the PlayStation Network or watching Blu-ray/DVD media. The Netflix offering expands on the entertainment experience delivered to PS3 system owners via PlayStation Network.
For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers via Netflix ready devices such as the PS3 system and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes.
“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.”
Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. The free instant streaming disc leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live™ technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system, which must be online via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. These titles are conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members’ personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members’ individual instant Queues. Members can use the Netflix Web site or navigate directly on their PS3 systems to add movies and TV shows to their Queues. With the PS3 system’s Wireless Controller, members can choose a movie to watch from their instant Queues or just play directly from any of the lists. They also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream via the Wireless Controller.
Netflix members and PS3 system owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 systems by going to www.netflix.com/ps3. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its digital services which include the PlayStation®Network and the PlayStation®Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one® game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world’s largest online movie rental service, with more than more than 11 million subscribers. For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. There are never any due dates or late fees. Netflix members can exchange DVDs as often as they want using a postage-paid return envelope. Members can choose from a vast selection of DVD titles and a growing library of movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. Netflix is partnering with leaders in consumer electronics to bring to market a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to members’ TVs. These devices currently include Blu-ray disc players and new Internet TVs from LG Electronics; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung and Best Buy’s Insignia brand; the Roku digital video player; Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console; TiVo digital video recorders; and, soon, the PS3 system and Internet TVs from Sony and VIZIO.
Hooray I guess. I don’t use Netflix, so it doesn’t really appeal to me. :/
Frankly, I’d rather have something like cross game chat or ps2 classics on the playstation store, but oh well.
you need a disc? FAIL!
make it a application like vidzone or 360 netflix
This was one of the very few things that the 360 had that the PS3 didn’t…and now the PS3 has it too.
Sweet :D made my night SONY and PS3 Rock’s..
Take that you 360 fan boys :P
one last thing to check off now is cross game invite and cross game voice chat and we got everything :D
firmware guys make it happen captain :D
Wait….where does it say you need a disk?
Awesome! ive been waiting for this for a while since i never really used the ps movie store (because i have netflix).
“watch a movie streamed instantly from Netflix via your PS3”
Streaming doesn’t require a disk….
Awesome! Can’t wait!
@52
It says initially you will need a disk; so in the future it will most likely be on the XMB.
anybody want to buy a 360??
Amazing news! I cannot wait!!
@ProwlingFox – Different between Netflix and PSN Video is that Netflix is a bundled pricing service. So at basic you will need to have the 1 movie out at anytime plan. I believe that gives you unlimited streaming. The video streaming gives you access to movies and tv shows. Nothing is super recent but it is nice to get caught up on stuff you have missed.
PSN Video has tv episodes you purchase to own. You also have movies you purchase to own. They are movies you may rent as well but it is much more expensive overall than it is to use Netflix to strictly rent your content.
@ThreexPennyco you might as well throw it in the trash because your not going to get much out of it lol :D
I stopped reading at
“Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems”
I’m not going to use Netflix if I need a stupid disc to put in the PS3. [DELETED] Netflix this is complete garbage. I don’t see the 360 needing a disc or anything. If I wanted to put a disc in the PS3 to watch movies then I would put in a superior blu-ray movie or go rent a DVD that I want to see or any other number of options. Lol, needing a disc…You can shove that disc up your [DELETED] I’ll stick to streaming movies elsewhere or just renting them from the PSN Store.
Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc
For those complaining or asking about the disc the important word there is “Initially”
Please tell me you are coming to Canada? Sony can’t seem to get a video store up here, maybe you guys can beat them to it.
Congratz, Netflix, you guys just gained a new subscriber.
Impressive. There really is no reason for XBL to cost any type of fee now. Kudos to the PSN Team.
great news im excited for this
Great news.
I will be signing up for NetFlix very soon.
But, I don’t want to use a DISC…please make that functionality native to XMB.
This is pretty cool! I just reactivated my netflix account, because of this.
awesome news! i hope it would be a full hd streaming.
I’m so pumped for this, I don’t have to renew my XBL Gold membership now!
I was going to buy an Xbox 360 because of the GTA DLC, and because it had the bonus feature of Netflix, which I plan on using a lot.. but now that I really only want it for one $40 game.. I might have to just wait anyways.
lol OWNED…
Will EU regions ever see either of the two video services?
Why are people saying that the PS3 DIDN’T need this service. Ya im sure the video service is just fine, I’ve never actually used it, BECAUSE I HAVE NETFLIX. Why would I want to pay $15 per movie when i can pay $9 a month to watch whatever i wanna watch on INSTANT and get a disc mailed to me also. This is NOT Sony trying to “be like the 360” it’s Sony give us what we’ve all wanted and what makes sense. So we get a FREE online community and online service, unlike Microsoft’s XBL, and now we get to stream our Netflix movies for free also. This is the PERFECT Blu-Ray player!!! Thank u Sony i knew if i stuck with u guys u would give us what we wanted.
OMG akk these things happening to ps3. And my ps3 keeps on freezing it cant handle uncharted 2. Guess like i gotta buy the slim.
Awesome news!!
now all it needs now is integration to Home like XBL and it will be gold LMAO!!!
I say about time SONY. I can’t wai to sign up with netflix now…after i get my ps3 fixed, lol
this is awesome
Will the PS3 BD Remote be compatible with Netflix streaming? I want to be able to pause,play,rewind,etc with the BD remote. Hope it has this feature.
Awesome, keep the extra features coming =)
Okay, now how about bringing this to the PSP?
Great news. Now how about a Sirius XM application or even an App store?? Or, any AAA feature that the 360 doesn’t already have. But, good news nonetheless.
I only wonder why we need to have a special disc to activate it? No other Netflix device, including the 360, makes you need to have a special disc to do it. Can’t it just be downloaded from PSN?
OMG! YES! HIGHFIVE!!!
YES!! I have been waiting for this for so long. Very happy this is coming to PS3. I love Netflix streaming on my Mac but nothing beats watching movies from your couch and not on your computer. I’m a little curious why it’s being done with a disc and not a downloadable application that sits on the XMB but the post says “initially” this will be necessary. So hopefully the disc will not always be needed.
So the US is going to have two Video Stores, before EU territories even have one. Great.
great news, thanks for finally making this happen
im just wondering, why is this by disc? wouldnt it be better if it was in the XMB natively? cause straming by disc would just be pointless.
How odd, a post on Sunday :)
Great news! Thank you Jeff for the tweet! And hope that diaper wasn’t stinky!
I am assuming the only reason you need a disc in order to use the netflix application is because Microsoft as an exclusive agreement with netflix that prevents Sony from offering it as a download. Well I guess it better than nothing.
for those saying they dont need this, it is all about choices for the consumer, i got this on the 360 but i would prefer it on the ps3 so im switching
I am happy for our American counterpart for receiving netflix which will drastically increase the # of available videos and TV series for streaming rental purposes
But to add … I’m Canadian … yes, I know it’s been mention every week in the video friday update … but with this new feature, and how europe has the DVR system, and Vidzone to boot … is it that much to ask simply for a “we are still planing” or “we are still looking into it” rather then the usual “no comment” … no comment can mean your not working on it at all, and that’s how it’s looking right now.
Heck, could you at least say if zip.ca, Canada’s version of netflix, is someone your looking to partner up with? They’re starting streaming service end of the year (either december or fiscal year)
I really don’t want to seem like I’m complaining heavily … but it’s been 2 years and your … um … ‘competitors’ were able to get passed the media laws within half that time.
Trust me, I really want my ps3 to do just about “everything” =/
And on that note I am officially done with Xbox Live once my subscription runs out.
Sorry to say but the PSN video store is way over priced. People can get unlimited monthly movies from Netflix for the price of a couple rentals from the PSN video store. I hope Sony goes with a flat rate plan like Netflix to get competitive.
NICE! I’m sorry, but what’s the difference between this and the PSN video store?
Netflix was a great supplement to the 360’s video library and I’m sure it’ll be awesome on PS3 as well. I don’t have the 360 anymore due to being bit a few too many times by the RRoD, so I’ll use it on my PS3. The best part is not having to pay 50 bucks per year just to have access to the service like I had to on the 360. PS3 just keeps getting better and better. Go Sony!
To do this on 360 don’t you need XBOX Live Gold?
Anyway. I don’t live in the US.