Sony calmly responds to Microsoft / Netflix streaming gains
By Richard Lawler 
posted Feb 5th 2009 9:13PM
posted Feb 5th 2009 9:13PM
Good thing we didn't think Sony PR was sweating the Microsoft / Netflix joint announcement about cracking 1 million Xbox Live / Watch Instantly users, because we might misinterpret this press release as a sign of desperation. We might just be confused enough to think reinterpreting a lack of access to services and options as a money saving bullet point was questionable, or that pooh poohing video streaming, and then touting the ability to stream online content in consecutive bullet points was a somewhat curious strategy. We'll stop the sarcasm now, mentioning our incredibly slow firmware updates in the face of a cited "study" proving faster PSN download times or pointing out our issues with the PlayStation Video Store would likely be going too far. Check the read link and let the straight-laced fellows over at Joystiq (also to thank for the Quincying picture at right) bring you unfettered, intelligent analysis of these points.
Writing could use some work. It's difficult to understand the article.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that had a hard time with that one.
Could we get this in normal English without trying to be so "creative" about it?
I just hope a Sony volunteer wrote that PS3 news release. They should ask for their money back if that was the best a PR firm could put together.
Ok now this press release is sad... its basicly giving reasons for backing PSN/Playstation 3/PSP
"Free Access/No Double Fees: Instead of paying for a separate monthly
Netflix subscription on top of an annual service fee for Xbox LIVE,
PlayStation Network users have free access to the content they want."
Well this is true to a point, Xbox LIVE Gold does cost a yearly/monthly fee, but it is so much better than PSN is on its best day, and though PSN does give them access to the free content they (their users) want, some content they (SONY) charge for, which is basically the same as Xbox LIVE Silver, you might note that no mention of gaming is stated in the entire part. Why? Because PSN gaming is worthless.
"Video Content on the Go: One of the main value propositions of the
PlayStation Network's video delivery service is the ability to
transfer standard-definition content from the PS3 system to the PSP
system. For one price, consumers can transfer and view certain types
of content on multiple devices."
Oh ya, I want to transfer Decent quality video to a device which has a screen the size of my smart phone, that's like watching cartoons on the Gameboy, just pointless. If you want to watch decent quality content go out buy yourself a $75 portable DVD player and then you can save yourself about $100 on the player and instead of buying Blu-ray save yourself $10 on the movie and buy DVD, pow $100 + $10x in savings right there and portable content.
"Faster Download Speeds: In a recent study by MTV Multiplayer,
PlayStation Network was found to be the fastest service for
downloading games amongst current consoles, whether through wired or
wireless connections."
Ummm when I think of Download Speeds first thing I think of is MTV, a Viacom company, you know one of the few companies out there fighting Streaming Digital tooth and nail threatening to sue anybody who post their content on the web without authorization from them, even if its free advertising and they aren't making money off the content anyway, shoot I may love Paramount, but I can tell you I don't think MTV is the first place I would go for speed tests.
"Quality HD Experiences: PlayStation Network provides HD content
reliably without waiting for streaming connections that might not
ever be made."
Oh wow, not having to wait for streaming media, what a concept, well how does this work... oh ya I have to wait for it to download to even start watching it, by which time I could be well into the movie I want to watch, or I have to put in a disc, which lucky break for PS3 that its the fastest Blu-ray player on the market there.
"Blu-Ray and Streaming: PlayStation 3's browser and Flash 9 support
allows users to easily stream content and watch videos through
internet sites on their TV's. Users can also download HD blockbuster
movies from the PlayStation Store or enjoy Blu-ray movies."
Umm didn't they just say part of this? And you know what, the extended desktop function of Windows Vista/XP and Media Share of the 360 also allows the user to stream content to the TV in better quality than Flash 9 offers, and downloading HD Blockbuster movies from the PS Store sounds like it costs money... oh wait it does, what ever happened to providing this content for free? (see reason 1) And Sony would love to have people enjoy Blu-ray movies seeing their format is still dependant on PS3 users for sales penetration, which still has yet to brake 10% of the unit sales for the Home Entertainment market.
well after everything you just wrote (that i admittingly didn't read all of), id still rather watch a blu-ray. although i do utilize netflix on my 360.
@jason, and that's cool, if Sony had just said, well, we've got Blu-ray and kept walking who could fault them? But that list reads like a jealous ex girlfriend wrote it about the new chick and her fake ass extensions.
Am I missing something? WTF is with the photo in th article?!
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/how-to-perform-quincying-in-playstation-home/
As a PS3 owner, I have the following thoughts
1- While Blu-Ray is great, Sony is crazy for closing their PS3 system from Netflix or Amazon Video Store
2- The PS3 Video store is very lackluster, not a easy store to navigate, nor amazing content, its just um... merely ok. it's NOT itunes or Amazon.
Well, thats it, i wish Sony would open up their system, it is a great box, but unless they start opening it up a bit, they are going to keep getting lower sales than xbox or Nintendo.
if Sony thinks having a PSP is a big deal for the PS3, i hardly use it, sorry but i dont care about that. its neat if you can figure it out, but hardly a big deal to most users who like blu-ray.
sony is getting just sad with their PR propaganda
Well, one thing i wish the XBOX had is an internet browser..I dont own a PS3, but if you ruly can browse to Hulu and watch content from it, it has a HUGE leg up on the XBOX. i am so dismayed there is no way of getting Hulu on the XBOX