Netflix streaming comes to PS3
Finally putting an end to rumours of Netflix streaming hitting the PS3, the official PlayStation blog confirms that “does everything” will include providing access to the movie service “next month”. <!–more–>
Oddly though, PS3 users will need to insert a BD-live enabled Blu-ray to gain access to the service which will be provided free by Netflix:
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 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.
This is obviously of huge benefit for current Netflix subscribers with a PS3 but it could also bring around a number of converts. The PSN currently offers a number of video titles for rental but at a hefty price tag, $4-6. At only $9 a month for the Netflix service, it could well kill rentals from the PSN.
