Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 6th 2009 1:28PM
posted Nov 6th 2009 1:28PM
[Thanks, Otis]
Update: Our best buds over at Joystiq got some quality hands-on time with this (video is now after the break), so be sure and check it out!
So has the HD question been answered?
Yes. HD content is available.
Now, we need see a demo from someone who isn't a preteen obsessed with Asian animation.
does not look as smooth as the 360. not a fanboy but anyone can see the 360 interface is the best netflix interface.
You should actually go to Youtube and read the comments made by the person who made the video. The interface and playback were smooth. There was in issue with what he used to capture the video.
Regardless, 360 folks also have to shell out $50 and have a more limited selection of content to choose from.
The 360 has the "prettiest" interface graphically, but for usability I prefer the Netflix interface on Tivo. The Tivo interface is the only one that presents a list of titles as text. I personally find it easier to recognize movies by name than by picture.
What is the big deal... netflix is on bluray players, pc's, xbox and now ps3. Netflix is not special anymore. Netflix in coming to you timex wrist watch soon.
The big deal is that PS3 owners have been eager for this functionality for a while now. When Netflix signed an exclusive agreement for the X-Box, PS3 users thought they were screwed.
The big deal is that Netflix flipped the finger to MS and gave the PS3 users what they wanted.
That's not entirely true. Netflix two years ago said that it had planned to offer digital streaming to every outlet possible.... set top boxes, consoles (plural), and any other outlet that made it possible.
That Xbox had it before other consoles, didn't make it exclusive, although it was promoted as such, because other agreements weren't in place. But it was never intended that it would never appear on other consoles. Netflix was already available outside of consoles and on the PC. And If I recall, Sony and Nintendo weren't interested initially.
What many may not realize is that part of Netflix's strategy was to use Microsoft technology for streaming that allows for portable DRM (ie, Silverlight). This would allow Netflix streaming on Mac for example.
I think Sony was more interested in Blu-Ray at first, but then came to realize that digital distribution has merits. There basically playing it both ways.
PC users should be the ones to get very upset. NO HD content, crappy video playback and bad mce remote function...
HD streaming via PS3? please confirm.
Scroll up...
I just recieved my Netflix disc today 11.06.09 and was surprised when I needed my laptop to complete the install using the code that comes up on the ps3. Once the install was completed it started right up and I was watching all my movies. The quality was pretty good but for me when it paned you could see pixelation. I was very disappointed with the fact I have to have the disc in the ps3 in order to watch movies. Netflix what the hell was you thinking, should have waited till everybody could download the software instead. We waited this long but what do I know.
Really? It isn't a big deal to put the disc in. Stop whining. You won't need the disc after an update sometime next year. Get a grip...they gave you something for free if you are already a Netflix subscriber.
The 360 navigation is slicker, I think, but the playback starts up more quickly on the PS3. And, true, Netflix isn't special in terms of exclusivity anymore. That's kind of the point. It's a good service that now reaches a broader audience. I, for one, appreciate that, even though I also have a 360.
I don't get it. I know I do not buy DVDs anymore and focus my HD appetite on DTV, HDTV content from my monthly service provider, and from Blu-ray, but I am not seeing the streaming for live-only viewing via Netflix, regardless of what platform it is on.
BTW, I have an Xbox 360 and a 60Gb and Slim PS3. To me, and this only applies to me and those like me, this is a lot like PPV, no?
If you are already a Netflix subscriber then there is no additional cost. It is not PPV. You pay nothing extra. The titles available in HD to stream are only visible after you have activated an acceptable device.
With PPV, you PAY for each and every movie you watch. Just like any Normal movies you see on the PS3 you have to PAY.
Netflix is a Monthly subscription service. For like a low of $8.99 a month, you get 1 DVD sent to you at a time to watch which is good for those movies that are ONLY on DVD, and you also get UNLIMITED Movie streaming. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means watch 1 movie or 100 movies all for the SAME PRICE. So PPV it's costing you what $3.99 or so each?
You can also get 2 disc's at a time or 3 Disc's out at a time for more money, and of course that would allow you to also stream to 2 devices at once or 3 devices at once also. With just 1 Disc at a time, you can at least average 4 DVD's a month, 1 a week or more. If you want Blu-Ray's, it's a bit more per month. Buy 1 Blu-Ray, or 2-3 months of Netflix with pretty much all the movies you could possibly want? My list is HUGE, I don't need Blu-Ray quality for everything. There's a lot of great classics to see, even newer stuff. If all you care about seeing is NEW MOVIES, then Netflix really isn't for you.
Got my disc today, will try tonight. I have a Roku player already so going forward I'll use whichever one gives me the better video quality. I'm used to streaming Heroes in HD over the Roku, so the PS3 will have to match that for me.
Roger you almost sound like you know what your talking about. Go back to eating your porkgrinds you swine
Got the disc, watched "Pan's Labyrinth" in HD and it worked/looked great. One issue, does anybody know why I am only getting 2 channel Dolby Digital audio on HD content? I tried about 4 different HD titles and all I get is 2 channel. Do all Netflix devices do this or is there a setting I'm missing or something?
I took a look at Pan's Labyrinth too, but it only looked dvd (at best on my 50") quality to me. But, It's so much better than the non-hd content they offer. The audio is still a weak point.
This implementation of Netflix worked much better than I expected, but I was connected to a 20 mb connection, not wireless. Why does W7 get passed over? I'll use the ps3 exclusively until they make the hd content available to Windows.
Overall it's on a par with most network programming hd content. Keep the bd discs coming, I want it all!
All Netflix streaming content is only in stereo currently. They've been talking about 5.1 surround for awhile now, but nothing's materialized yet. One day it will probably just show up unannounced, but greatly appreciated.
Just got the disc today and tried it out. Worked better than I though it would. I didn't think there would be any HD content, but there was quite a bit. Although it didn't look the greatest on my 92" screen. It looked somewhere between 480P and 720P. I did have a few dropouts while watching. But it was only about ten seconds and it started right up again. (I have a 7 meg download cable modem)
I'll be catching up on all the Office episodes I've missed.
I got my disc yesterday and tried it out. One feature I like is the ability to browse the latest movies by category and genres. On the Roku you can't really do this - you're limited to what you add via the NetFlix website. BTW, I was able to add movies straight to my instant queue with the PS3 version; that really hit the spot for me. The streaming quality is excellent both on SD and HD content. The only complaint I have and sorry to be a whiner; is that you need the CD all the time in order to watch movies. Anyway add this to the hard drive??
No, you need the DISC anytime you want to watch a Netflix movie. That will change next year and be built in like it is on the Xbox 360 with a new system update. Then you can just toss the disc.
Would someone please confirm if the disc has to be active during playback, or only to start up? Many of us have older PS3's and would like to know the fan will not have to kick on and make noise...