By way of the official Playstation blog, we learn that those Netflix surveys did indeed foreshadow the end of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 streaming exclusivity. Beginning next month, Netflix-subscribing PS3 owners will be treated to instant video streaming from their gaming console.
I’m not sure how the companies landed here, but the solution will be delivered via disc. Which isn’t nearly as elegant as Netflix on the Xbox. (And reminds me of running a web browser or Linux from disc on the Dreamcast eons ago.) However, this physical media play probably allowed Netflix to get the service to market quicker than the time required for direct XMB integration. Perhaps it was also a hedge against limited input from Sony, given the PS3’s existing strong video functionality (Blu-ray, VOD).
Netflix subscribers can request their free PS3 streaming disc here.
Some more reading… looks like one of the benefits of disc is that’ll utilize BD Live functionality to facilitate. Sounds clever, and indeed a shortcut to direct XMB and back-end integration.
“…reminds me of running a web browser or Linux from disc on the Dreamcast eons ago.”
Reminds me of a comm port dongle key circa 1988!
Lame!
Does anyone think that the disk requirement is due to Netflix’s existing deal with Microsoft, i.e. that’s the way Netflix is circumfenting 360 exclusivity?
What would be REALLY interesting if it turned out that Netflix uses ONLY BD-Live functionality and, thus, the disk would work with ANY 2.0 profile BR player. :)
Was looking real hard at the Roku but this pretty much trumps it for ps3 owners.
Netflix will get me as new sub…finally.
Can’t wait!
“What would be REALLY interesting if it turned out that Netflix uses ONLY BD-Live functionality and, thus, the disk would work with ANY 2.0 profile BR player.”
Whoa. Could that actually happen? Would be awesome if Sony opened up BD live to third party services like Ntflix, Amazon Ubox HD, etc.
Anyone here already have a non-Sony Blu Ray player with BD Live – does it reach out beyond Sony’s closed loop to other stuff?
( I ask because I just saw the Vizio Blu Ray player, with BD Live, at Walmart for 150 bucks )
“Vizio Blu-ray Disc Player, VBR100…Access to BD-Live via HDMI and Bonus View…”
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12167635
Since the service is provided through BD-Live functionality, in theory then shouldn’t this work in any Blu-ray Player any BD-Live supported Blu-ray Players ?
While if this is really a BDLive disc, I think the question would be if a standard set-top player would have enough power to actually make this feature usable. I believe profile 2.0 players also only have to have 100mb of space available, which could make buffering interesting.
My last thought is that if it did work, why wouldn’t they tell us? Maybe because huge loading times that plague BD-J on regular players wouldn’t be a very good user experience, so they don’t even mention it, while it still would technically work?
I guess we’ll wait and see. I requested a disc for this exact reason. (Even though I already have a TiVoHD, but I don’t really like that experience either)
I don’t mind using a disc. I actually appreciate the quick response from Netflix (1 week after announcement). My disc is arriving tomorrow, and I am excited. I have heard that Netflix is working on a permanent change to the XMB bar to be later released.
For those complaining about the disc:
Just think about not having to pay an extra $50/year (Xbox 360) just so you can have Netflix, and play online… talk about a jip-lol
I’m pretty sure that those who pay for Xbox Live don’t mind. You pay for the absolute best online experience around.
Keep bragging though, rumors are going around that Sony will be charging for their online before long.
I highly doubt that people are going to pay a once a year fee (OH NOES! that is just soooo much money especially after all the money you spend on the games) just for Netflix.
Enjoy having to use a disc though.