PS3 Informer

Netflix Coming to PS3, Requires Disc

Netflix streaming was a feature jealously guarded by Microsoft on the Xbox 360 console. But a new agreement announced today between Sony and the movie rental company will see streaming videos also delivered directly to the PS3. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month (November) at no additional cost to Netflix members. For the moment, this system will only work inside of the United States, so Canadian and European users are out of luck.

By all accounts, Netflix is the North American market leader in online video rentals. The company recently reported 11.1 million U.S. subscribers as of September 30. The basic membership costs $8.99 per month, and will give users unlimited access to movies and TV shows on the service. The selection of content is so good, that we wonder whether this announcement will hurt Sony's bottom line on its own media download store.

Annoyingly, watching movies from Netflix via the PS3 system will require a Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. According to Sony, This disc 'leverages Blu-ray's BD-Live technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system'. However, since the PS3 is equipped with a hard drive, we really don't understand why the streaming system would need a disc at all.

In order to benefit from PS3 streaming, Netflix members and PS3 system owners will have to order a disc 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.

Despite the minor annoyance of ordering a disc, this Netflix-Sony partnership is a welcome addition for PS3 owners. When comparing the features of the PS3 and Xbox 360, it is becoming hard to argue that any competitor provides better value for money than Sony's machine.

Netflix members will need a special Bluray disc to stream content on the PS3.