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Review: Netflix Streaming on Sony’s PlayStation 3

Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 05:20 PM ET
Tags: Netflix, PS3, PlayStation 3, Sony, Michael S. Palmer (all tags)

Michael Palmer got his hands on a Netflix Streaming Disc for the PS3 and gave it a whirl. Here's what he thought of it...

By Michael S. Palmer

Following Sony’s new marketing campaign (“It Only Does Everything”), Netflix Streaming has finally arrived on the PS3. When announcements were made last month that we’d finally be joining the ranks of the Xbox 360 as well as various LG, Samsung, and Insignia networked Blu-ray Disc players, I immediately signed up for my free Netflix “Instant Streaming Disc.” I wasn’t exactly sure why they were sending me a disc, thinking that it would be some type of firmware update. But it turns out (or, if I had read the announcement further than “go here to sign up for your free disc”) the Instant Streaming Disc is actually a Blu-ray, which uses BD-Live to stream movies and television episodes from the Netflix server. Meaning, every time you want to stream content, the Instant Streaming Disc must first be inserted into the PS3.

Setting It Up.

Netflix Streaming on the PS3 rquires: a Netflix membership subscription plan with unlimited viewing included (1-at-a-time DVDs with unlimited streaming is $8.99/month, and $10.99/month for a 1-at-a-time with Blu-ray Disc access), the free Netflix Instant Streaming disc, and a broadband internet connection (hard wired or wireless).

For installation and title selection, you’ll at first need both a computer and your PS3 (in the future, one could use the PS3’s internal internet browser). First, insert the Instant Streaming Disc into the PS3. An unlocking code will show up on your TV’s screen. From there hop over to your Netflix account, in the “Watch Instantly” tab, where it will ask you for that code. Once entered, the PS3 will sync up your Instant Queue. Selected titles can be arranged as you see fit, just like your DVD Queue. It’s handy to pick carefully here, because if you have a lot of titles, scrolling over to the last one can be a bit time consuming.

Daily Use.

Running the disc brings you to your Instant Queue. Clicking to the right (using either a remote, or a PS3 game controller – I personally am using a Harmony 880 via the Nyko PS2 USB adapter. Logitech now makes a PS3 adapter for their remotes) scrolls you through your Queue. Click UP and then to the right to access other categories, such as Recently Watched, New Arrivals: Movies, New Arrivals: TV, Comedy, Drama, Action, and a myriad of other genres.

Click (or press down) on any title to “play,” give the title a star rating, or “remove from Instant Queue.” Once a movie is started, options will change to “resume playing” or “play from the beginning.” TV shows are organized by season, so play options include “Play Episode 1” or “Choose Episode.” “Play,” “pause,” “fast forward” and “rewind” buttons work as they should (though fast forward and rewinding require 10 or so seconds to buffer). But pressing stop will exit you out streaming all together (taking you back to the PS3’s menu); to go back to your Instant Queue, simply press “menu” and then click “up.”

Movies and TV episodes are available in “HD” (AVC encodes oscillating between 1.5 and 5 Mbps) and SD (running just under 600 kbps), with all audio in two-channel, stereo Dolby Digital. There are over 17,000 movie and TV titles. TV shows are a mix of old and new; movies are generally older, given contracts movie studios have in place with pay cable outlets which streaming would violate. “Starz Play” titles are newer releases (anything that’s currently playing on the Starz network), but they don’t appear to be in “HD.”

Impressions.

For anyone savvy enough to have a Netflix account and a PS3 already, this is a no brainer. It’s free (well, included in your subscription), and easy for those of us who have no trouble surfing the web. For folks less technically savy, this service is more difficult than using cable or satellite On Demand services because you can’t manage your account from one location.

Quality-wise, Netflix Streaming certainly isn’t a Blu-ray killer, let alone even competitor, but I suppose that’s not really the point. This is an added feature to allow subscribers more content and added value. Quote-unquote HD content is “serviceable.” Not as good as HD cable/satellite, but a bit more resolution than DVD. I checked out ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (a fantastic Blu-ray, btw) and the opening sequence of ‘Scorpion King 2’. These two features weren’t as clear as the Vudu HDX titles I’ve seen, nor as good as Quicktime HD movie trailers. They suffered from banding, blocking, and digital artifacts. Once my expectations were in the proper place, I was generally pleased. This would be a good way to see a title when you didn’t want to wait for Netflix to send out your next disc. The one thing to mention here is that my Internet connection did drop out once, and so ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ paused, and started replaying in SD, which was no comparison. To get it back up to “HD”, I hit “menu”, and “resumed playing” which re-buffered the feed, and brought it back in “HD.”

On my 52” Sony LCD, the SD streaming content was subpar (but truthfully, most SD content doesn’t look great). It’s like watching a non-anamorphic widescreen DVD, and “zooming in” your TV to make it fill more of the screen. Images and text are hazy, fuzzy, and colors are muddy. Here I checked out ‘Armageddon’ (which was in anamorphic widescreen), ‘Dead Space: Downfall’ (non-anamorphic widescreen) and ‘Big Bry’s Western Style BBQ’ (1.33:1). Each title had its own disappointment. ‘Armageddon’ was blocky, and less engaging without its 5.1 mix; ‘Dead Space’ looked clear, but it had letterboxing and pillar boxing happening at the same time; and ‘Big Bry’s’ audio was out of sync for the entire presentation (though, this might not be the fault of the service).

Despite its ease of use, and the fact that it’s free (Xbox 360 owners have to pay over $50/year for Xbox Live Gold service), my biggest complaint is the necessary Instant Streaming Disc. Sure it’s a nifty use of BD-Live, and no doubt there’s a specific, genius-computer-programmer reason as to why it had to be designed this way, but frankly, it’s cumbersome. Is it really THAT hard to get up off the couch and insert a disc, like when playing any Blu-ray or DVD? Of course not, but like the PlayStation Store or Network, streaming content seems better served for when you can exit out of a movie or game, and then click over to something else. Now streaming is forced to be a conscious choice, and given the quality of the service, it might be a better value to pop in another Blu-ray or in some cases, a DVD. At least with many DVDs, you’re getting a discreet surround sound mix.

Bottom Line.

Though Netflix Streaming may have its uses (digging back in to childhood classics like ‘Voltron’!), and it’s great to bring another feature to the PS3, video/audiophiles need not apply. The current lack of quality will be bothersome. Hopefully, with time, the streaming / video encoding quality will grow along with the selection of “HD” content. For now, enjoy what you can.

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Netflix Discs for PS3 are Shipping Now

Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM ET
Tags: Netflix, PS3, Industry Trends (all tags)

Assuming you’ve requested your Netflix disc, it’s on its way now. If not, get on it!

The much anticipated availability of Netflix on PS3 is soon to be a reality for customers that ordered their discs from the company. The massively popular video streaming service has started shipping discs.

The initial availability of the service relies on the BD Live feature of a complimentary disc from Netflix. Sony has announced that a firmware update in early 2010 will enable users to access Netflix directly from the Xross Media Bar without the need for the disc.

The addition of Netflix streaming to the PS3 is being seen as quite the coup in the ongoing war between the PS3 and Xbox 360. Sources say that Netflix streaming could soon be coming to the Wii as well as soon as early 2010.

PS3 owners who haven’t yet ordered their disc need only to jump over to Netflix.com/PS3 and log into their account.

Source: Kotaku

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Sony Adds Netflix Streaming To PlayStation 3

Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: PlayStation 3, Netflix, Streaming Content (all tags)

Sony has announced that PS3 users will soon have access to the popular Netflix streaming service through the use of BD-Live.

Fans of the PlayStation 3 just got another bragging point, as Sony has announced that Netflix will be available as soon as next month. There’s a bit of a catch though. Rather than being able to access the service through the systems menu thanks to a system update like the rival Xbox 360, PlayStation owners will need to access the service through BD-Live.

Netflix will provide Blu-ray discs free to subscribers who can reserve the discs now at Netflix.com/PS3. Streaming will be available at the standard $8.99 price. Netflix is hoping to echo the surge in memberships seen after the addition of the service to the Xbox, but with a few extra dollars tacked on to each one for Blu-ray rentals.

Sony’s press release states “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.” This wording may indicate that a firmware update or installation disc may be in the works and that the BD Live streaming may only be a temporary solution.

Source: Press Release

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Sony Adds Netflix Streaming To PlayStation 3

Tue Oct 27, 2009 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: PlayStation 3, Netflix, Streaming Content (all tags)

Sony has announced that PS3 users will soon have access to the popular Netflix streaming service through the use of BD-Live.

Fans of the PlayStation 3 just got another bragging point, as Sony has announced that Netflix will be available as soon as next month. There’s a bit of a catch though. Rather than being able to access the service through the systems menu thanks to a system update like the rival Xbox 360, PlayStation owners will need to access the service through BD-Live.

Netflix will provide Blu-ray discs free to subscribers who can reserve the discs now at Netflix.com/PS3. Streaming will be available at the standard $8.99 price. Netflix is hoping to echo the surge in memberships seen after the addition of the service to the Xbox, but with a few extra dollars tacked on to each one for Blu-ray rentals.

Sony’s press release states “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.” This wording may indicate that a firmware update or installation disc may be in the works and that the BD Live streaming may only be a temporary solution.

Source: Press Release

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Best Buy and Netflix Announce Insignia Partnership

Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 06:00 PM ET
Tags: Best Buy, Insignia, Netflix (all tags)

In the increasingly competitive HDTV market, functionality seems to be key in nabbing sales. To that end, Best Buy will be integrating Netflix functionality into their Insignia Blu-ray players.

The ever popular Netflix streaming program seems to be a feather in the cap of any piece of electronics that allows consumers access, and manufacturers are taking note. The Insignia Advanced Series and Insignia Connected Blu-ray players from Best Buy will both feature Netflix functionality.

The soon to be released WiFi ready Advanced (model NS-WBRDVD) has an MSRP of $249, but is selling at $199 on Best Buy’s site at press time. Currently available, the Insignia Connected player (model: NS-BRDVD3) runs $179 and streams via an Ethernet connection. While the Insignia Advanced BD player will run Netflix out of the box, the Insignia Connected player will require a firmware update.

Interestingly, as Best Buy has a stake not only in the sale of their Blu-ray players, but in the sale of Blu-ray discs, this may be an indicator of a change in the marketplace. More likely though, Best Buy simply wants to make sure that Insignia Blu-ray players leave the shelves quickly this holiday season.

Source: Press Release

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Amazon To Purchase Netflix?

Tue Jul 14, 2009 at 04:10 PM ET
Tags: Netflix, Amazon, Industry Trends (all tags)

Stocks have seen a surge at the rumor of takeover.

There’s quite a bit of talk about the purchase of Netflix, a video service that has grown substantially since it first started in 1997 and has seen significant increases in membership since the introduction of their streaming service. Of course, when one company is doing well, everyone else naturally wants to get a piece of that success. Enter Amazon.

Essentially the Wal-Mart of the internet, Amazon parlayed an online book store into one of the biggest shopping sites on the net today. They offer products ranging from the aforementioned books to pacifiers, Blu-ray players, clothing, music, and even video on demand. Could it be that Amazon is looking to expand even further?

Industry analyst Michael Pachter says no, and all because of sales tax. “Suddenly in a whole bunch of states Amazon finds itself taxable, it would kill their core business.” That doesn’t seem like a huge deal to most of us, but recently Amazon stopped ads in several states to avoid having to pay sales tax. More taxes mean higher prices, and that’s not what Amazon is about.

Analysts agree that Netflix does seem to be in the position to be taken over, but the question is when, and by whom.

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HDD Editorial: Another Slap in the Face from Netflix for Blu-ray Fans

Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Netflix (all tags)

Remember back in October when Netflix upped their monthly charges $1 for Blu-ray subscribers? Well, the company is about to launch another gouge this April.

Starting April 27, the online rental company will charge anywhere from an additional $1 to a whopping $9 a month for Blu-ray rentals depending on the plan. For example, the $4.99/month option allowing one movie at a time (two per month) will cost an additional buck, and the $47.99/month option granting eight movies at a time (unlimited per month) will cost $9 extra.

Despite Netflix's claims regarding the higher price of Blu-ray, many readers are pointing out that the prices of Blu-ray discs are falling and their anti-scratch resistance should actually allow for a longer lifespan than standard DVDs. In a time where the economy is in peril, this move doesn't seem to be making Netflix look good in the eyes of consumers at all.

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Special Delivery - Netflix Update Arrives for Samsung Blu-ray Players

Fri Dec 05, 2008 at 09:00 AM ET
Tags: Samsung, Netflix, Video Streaming (all tags)

Samsung has released a firmware update that will allow Netflix customers to stream movies through their Blu-ray players.

As previously reported, Samsung and Netflix settled on an arrangement similar to that announced by LG Electronics which will allow owners to take advantage of Netflix's "Watch Instantly" service at no additional cost.

After installing the update to their Samsung BD-P2550 and BD-P2500 players, Netflix account holders can visit the website to add standard definition movies and TV episodes to their instant queues. Those selections will then be available for viewing on their TVs via their Samsung players.

For more information on Netflix streaming, visit the company website!

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Samsung Announces Free Player Update For Netflix Streaming

Thu Oct 23, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Samsung, Netflix, Video Streaming (all tags)

Owners of the Samsung BD-P2550 and BD-P2500 Blu-ray players awoke this morning to some happy news. With a simple update, their players can now stream Netflix movies at no extra charge!

As announced by Reuters, the two companies have settled on an arrangement similar to that announced last month by LG Electronics which will allow owners to take advantage of Netflix's "Watch Instantly" service.

Netflix account holders can visit the website to add standard definition movies and TV episodes to their instant queues. Those selections will then be available for viewing on their TVs via their Samsung players.

For more information on Netflix streaming, visit the company website!

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Related links:
Netflix, Samsung in streaming partnership [Reuters.com]

LG Details BD300 Blu-ray/Netflix Player

Thu Sep 04, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: LG, Netflix, Video Streaming (all tags)

LG Electronics has released more information on its upcoming BD300 Blu-ray Player, which will be capable of streaming TV and movie programming to owners with Netflix subscriptions.

In an announcement made yesterday, the company said the players will be available next month at retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City. The suggested retail price has been set at $399.95

Allan Jason, vice president of sales and marketing for Digital Media/New Products at LG called the new player "The ultimate convergence of home theater entertainment and functionality" Jason dubbed the BD300 "the next step in a truly personalized entertainment experience."

As reported by The New York Times "Bits" Technology Blog the movies streamed via Netflix will not be available in High-Def, but this is one of the first players to allow instant streaming, providing the combination of top of the line picture quality, and the added convenience of Netflix's on demand video offerings.

LG representatives have also pointed out the ability to update the player's operating system to add future features through software updates. We'll provide more information on this player as details come to us.

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Related links:
Press Release: LG ELECTRONICS’ BD300 NETWORK BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER AVAILABLE THIS FALL AT NATIONAL RETAILERS [http://us.lge.com]
New LG Blu-Ray Player Streams Netflix — With Drawbacks [http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com]


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