Take this with a grain of salt (it's just an analyst), but let the speculation/fanboyism begin. I love it on the XBOX, but wouldn't mind having it on PS3 as well. Or Wii. I own all three.

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/netflix/analyst-netflix-announce-second-game-console-partner-soon-17347

Netflix’s anticipated follow-up to distributing movie streams via Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Live is expected in the near future. That move will most likely be a partnership with the Sony PlayStation 3 system.

However, partnering with Nintendo would create a much larger potential audience, said an analyst.

Michael Pachter, with Wedbush Morgan Securities in Los Angeles, said the recent $100 price cut to the PS3 coupled with unit sales lagging behind rivals Xbox 360 and the Wii would make for a prime opportunity for Sony.

Indeed, gamers are twice as likely to stream more than 50 videos per day than the average Internet consumer, according to comScore’s GamePlan research tool.

That said, Xbox Live with more than 1 million Netflix subscribers, remains in the driver’s seat regarding impact on Netflix’s subscriber growth.

“Microsoft’s Xbox Live dashboard now allows greater access to Netflix Watch Instantly queues, making the Netflix experience more attractive,” Pachter wrote in a research note.

The analyst, who reaffirmed a “neutral” outlook on Netflix shares, said the rental service would report third-quarter (ended Sept. 30) revenue of $424 million and 11 million subscribers — about $2 million in revenue above consensus projections.

Pachter expects Netflix to raise 2009 revenue and sub guidance above current projections for revenue from $1.65 billion to $1.67 billion and subscribers of 11.6 million to 12 million.

“We believe that subscriber growth remains strong, driving revenues and gross profit higher, offset by higher streaming spending,” he wrote.

Indeed, Pachter said the increased revenue and sub base would afford Netflix the opportunity to increase spending on streaming content acquisition and marketing, the latter about $60 million per quarter.

“We expect the amount on streaming to inch up throughout the year,” the analyst wrote.

Separately, online investor advisor, The Motley Fool, said it expects Netflix to generate 39% earnings growth in the quarter, which it characterized as “not a surprise.”

Netflix reports financial results Oct. 22 following the market close.

Last year they said MS had an exclusive partnership with Netflix. So unless it's a short, timed-exclusive, I doubt Netflix is coming to PS3.

...At the E3 Media and Business Summit, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) and Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), the world’s largest online movie rental service, today unveiled an exclusive partnership to offer consumers the ability to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the television via the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. Xbox 360 will be the only game system that lets users instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix....
http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2008/jul08/07-14InstantStreamPR.mspx

Was there ever a timescale announced with that exclusivity agreement?

In this day, with tech evolving so fast, companies go to great lengths to trumpet how they have exclusivity for this or that even if it is only for 6 months, etc. etc.

Perhaps MS only wanted to pony up for exclusivity for a couple of months to a year.

In any case, netflix streaming would be a nice addition, but not a necessity for me. Netflix streaming just doesn’t have the picture quality to be worth watching it on the TV that the PS3 is connected to. I’d just as soon prefer to watch it on the computer upstairs. I think they have incrementally improved their playback since the dreadful move to silverlight player on the PC, but unless Xbox/PS3 playback is orders of magnitude better, it’s just not worth it for me personally.

-Suntan

The CEO of Netflix has said that he wants Netflix streaming on every device that could possibly be used to watch a movie. The stream to laptops, Xbox 360s, TiVos, Samsung Bluray players, and I'm sure it will be included with all the next-gen web enabled TVs. I have 4 different devices in my house that I could watch a Netflix movie on if I wanted to. That's the looses definition of "exclusive" I've ever heard.

It'll come to Wii and PS3--its just a matter of time. Netflix wisely scrapped their plans for a Netflix set-top device and instead decided to build software for the devices we already have. They have nothing to gain by partnering with a single console brand.

In any case, netflix streaming would be a nice addition, but not a necessity for me. Netflix streaming just doesn’t have the picture quality to be worth watching it on the TV that the PS3 is connected to. I’d just as soon prefer to watch it on the computer upstairs. I think they have incrementally improved their playback since the dreadful move to silverlight player on the PC, but unless Xbox/PS3 playback is orders of magnitude better, it’s just not worth it for me personally.

-Suntan

Have you tried it on 360? You'd be surprised how good it actually looks - HD and SD content. I watched the first 3 seasons of Dexter on it and I thought it looked better then the On-Demand version on FIOS.

I stream Netflix via PlayOn on my PS3

What's the issue? Need a icon that says Netflix?...lol

I love to watch HULU thru Playon on my PS3 or 360. When it works it's magical. Plus it works with lots of other services too.

Have you tried it on 360? You'd be surprised how good it actually looks - HD and SD content. I watched the first 3 seasons of Dexter on it and I thought it looked better then the On-Demand version on FIOS.

No, I don't have a 360. i hope it will look better through the PS3, but low bitrate is still low bitrate and when you live in an area that tops out with service at 2mbps, there's only so much that can be done with advanced video codecs.

-Suntan

I stream Netflix via PlayOn on my PS3

What's the issue? Need a icon that says Netflix?...lol

Wow, you joined just to say that?

The native player on XBOX blows PlayOn away, both in quality and functionality. There's really no comparison. I still use PlayOn for Hulu and other content though. PlayOn for Netflix though is really the lowest common denominator and would be my last choice of a way to watch Netflix.

I stream Netflix via PlayOn on my PS3

What's the issue? Need a icon that says Netflix?...lol

You're halarious. Yeah, nobody here has ever heard of playon...

First, you need to have another computer running just to spoon-feed the PS3 the video. Second, and mre importantly, you're taking an already minimal video feed and mucking it up further with recompression. No thanks.

-Suntan

No, I don't have a 360. i hope it will look better through the PS3, but low bitrate is still low bitrate and when you live in an area that tops out with service at 2mbps, there's only so much that can be done with advanced video codecs.

-Suntan

You're not going to be able to stream much at that speed, so unless you get a better connection, you probably shouldn't get that excited about it :)

I have PlayOn too, but it will not give you the HD content from Netflix in HD. If the PS3 could, like the 360 does, that would be SWEET! :D Roku in one room, PS3 in the other.

Wow, you joined just to say that?

The native player on XBOX blows PlayOn away, both in quality and functionality. There's really no comparison. I still use PlayOn for Hulu and other content though. PlayOn for Netflix though is really the lowest common denominator and would be my last choice of a way to watch Netflix.

Well thats a matter of opinion now isn't it.

I have a 360 as well and aside from how it is accessed....not much difference...sorry..

And that's my opinion....and you know what is said about opinions right?

Well thats a matter of opinion now isn't it.

I have a 360 as well and aside from how it is accessed....not much difference...sorry..

And that's my opinion....and you know what is said about opinions right?

Two posts...we have a real winner here, folks.

Well thats a matter of opinion now isn't it.

I have a 360 as well and aside from how it is accessed....not much difference...sorry..

And that's my opinion....and you know what is said about opinions right?

It's my opinion that you should see an optometrist if you think the video quality from PlayOn is the same as from 360.

Honestly, I'd like to see Netflix streaming on PS3 as I don't have a 360, but I can always hook up my laptop so it's not that big of a deal.

You're not going to be able to stream much at that speed, so unless you get a better connection, you probably shouldn't get that excited about it :)

That’s pretty much what I said in the beginning…

-Suntan

I tried PlayOn for my PS3 about 6 months ago; tried streaming one movie over NetFlix and the quality sucked arse! Really, not even watchable on my 50" Kuro. Unless it's come a l o n g way since, I don't consider it an option at all. OTOH, native NetFlix for PS3 would be sweet!

CD

Does the 360 stream HD content from Netflix? Because no one streaming Netflix from a computer to the PS3 is doing it in anything approaching HD since you have to have a dedicated device to get access to the Netflix HD streaming.

Does the 360 stream HD content from Netflix? Because no one streaming Netflix from a computer to the PS3 is doing it in anything approaching HD since you have to have a dedicated device to get access to the Netflix HD streaming.

Depending on your bandwidth, yes. I read that it takes a consistent 5-ish mb connection for the highest quality on a dedicated device. It looks pretty good.

Depending on your bandwidth, yes. I read that it takes a consistent 5-ish mb connection for the highest quality on a dedicated device. It looks pretty good.

Netflix HD looks great via a Roku, but yeah, consistent bandwidth is key. I mean it's not blu-ray, but for some of the better produced shows/encodes, it's on par with HD cable TV. SD content is another story and would look crummy whether it's via a 360 or PS3 app, PlayOn, a Roku, or direct from PC. I avoid it mostly.

I use the NF on 360 nearly daily (probably 5-6 movies a week). I find for anything new, it looks pretty decent (either HD or 4 bars). Quality, as said earlier, is DVD to broadcast HD quality. It's no replacement for Blu-Ray but it is a very nice supplement to my Netflix plan. It is still stereo, unfortunately, so I save any surround-sound-heavy (action, sci-fi) for Blu-Ray. I am content with documentaries, animation, comedies, dramas without having the surround sound, so I don't mind using the Watch Instantly for that.

For the older stuff, the quality is up and down. I get 4 bars on everything (or HD if available), but one title could look good, the next not-so-good. Many of the legacy titles seem to be old encodes which aren't taking advantage of any of the newer codecs.

They add titles pretty regularly. Titles in my DVD queue (around 350 titles) automatically get added to my Instant Queue when they become available. Because of that, I have been hovering around 55-60 movies in my Instant Queue for a couple months now, despite watching titles pretty regularly. I have been happy, but don't go in expecting to be able to watch every new release D&D that it's released.

My bandwidth is usually around 6mbps (Comcast). Once in awhile it will start up with 2 or 3 bars but will change to 4/HD within a couple minutes.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/netflix-coming-soon-to-playstation-3/

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/netflix-coming-soon-to-playstation-3/

sweet! it has been confirmed.

Looks like we're pretty much to the point where the only reason to get a 360 instead of a PS3 is "Everybody else has one".

In a day and age where Halo 3 is the best selling game out there and a large amount of gamers are people who watch Real World, that's a powerful reason.

This is excellent news. I use Netflix streaming a lot on my 360, but the video quality of the PS3 is better looking in general.

the PS3 now also shows up the on list of instant devices: http://www.netflix.com/NetflixReadyDevicesList?lnkce=nrd-l&trkid=425738&lnkctr=nrd-l-m

Great news, and way sooner than I expected. Wonder how long before it pops up in commercials?

Well blow me down, I thought Microsoft would have tied this one up good and proper like they normally do.

it is now official. check the articles at bluray.com.

wow. seems to be pretty cool to live in the USA now :)

Will it stream HD?

Will it stream HD?

If the 360 can stream HD, I would assume the PS3 will have the same options depending on internet connection speed.

Is a 1 Mega-Bit DSL connection fast enough for this?

Originally posted by zBuff
Well blow me down, I thought Microsoft would have tied this one up good and proper like they normally do.
Yeah I thought netflix was announced to be exclusive. My wife will be excited, I still don't really care...;)

Will Netflix work with either PS3 fat or Slim? Or just Slim?
Will there be a membership cost for this like the Xbox?

Hm.. so $8.99/month, on top of my regular Netflix fee? Can you do just an 8.99/month account and not have any physical disc rentals?

Wonder how long that "initial" period of having to put in a special disc will last - having an on ps3 app will be much nicer.

Hm.. so $8.99/month, on top of my regular Netflix fee? Can you do just an 8.99/month account and not have any physical disc rentals?

Wonder how long that "initial" period of having to put in a special disc will last - having an on ps3 app will be much nicer.

its 8.99 for one movie at a time and streaming.

think i'll still keep my roku box though, you'll need to put in a netflix streaming disk everytime you wanna use the service.

I can't read the blog here at work, does it say how it's going to work? I clicked that Netflix link and 'reserved a disc'. I wonder if that puts software onto the PS3, or if it needs to be in there when playing content? Doesn't make much sense for it not to be a download from the store.

Edit: Looks like it's answered on Blu-Ray.com:

Initially, this service will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. This disc employs 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 owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 by going to a dedicated sign-up page. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.

It is being speculated that a future PS3 firmware update might enable access to Netflix Instant Watching without the need for a streaming disc.

What kind of stupid crap is this? Everyone with a PS3 has a hard drive, why would they make you use a disc?

What kind of stupid crap is this? Everyone with a PS3 has a hard drive, why would they make you use a disc?

if you read the link you'd see that it says initially you will use a disk to get to the service. some BD-Live kinda deal. the part where it says initially seems to mean eventually this will change and it will be all right through the XMB.

What kind of stupid crap is this? Everyone with a PS3 has a hard drive, why would they make you use a disc?

guess since netflix doesn't have access to sony xmb, fastest way they could implement it was using BD-Live.

Great news! And it's totally free on the PS3, unlike on the 360 where you have to be a Live-gold member. I think the disk will be a temporary solution until Sony get's around to integrating Netflix functionality into the XMB via a future a firmware update, similar to how 'Life with Playstation' was integrated.

Who knows, maybe the disk will install a stand-alone program on it's own, but it seems like everything is pretty theoretical at this point because the disks are not even ready to be mailed out, so likely not even coded.

guess since netflix doesn't have access to sony xmb, fastest way they could implement it was using BD-Live.

Guess its better than waiting for it. Plus with PS3 you ony have to pay for netflix and not some goofy gold account to go with it. I wonder if MS thinks they'll be able to get away with charging for online next generation.

Guess its better than waiting for it. Plus with PS3 you ony have to pay for netflix and not some goofy gold account to go with it. I wonder if MS thinks they'll be able to get away with charging for online next generation.

or will sony decide to charge for online next generation. who knows.

Guess its better than waiting for it. Plus with PS3 you ony have to pay for netflix and not some goofy gold account to go with it. I wonder if MS thinks they'll be able to get away with charging for online next generation.

I think this is like a good game of Othello....but instead of being flipped black I think the chips are going to be flipped white...

I think Microsoft's fees & infrastrucutre are going to be mimicked by Sony. I wonder if Sony thinks they'll be able to get away with NOT charging for online next generation.

Look at the rest of the industry who are all trying to roll out plans to nickel & dime the consumer, starting with the ISP's who want to cap bandwidth while content providers are looking to charge for bigger & better content. You go buy a game today and by next week there is already some DLC that the producer wants to sell (PAIN, LBP, SFIV, Killzone, COD, etc).

edit: Ninja'd.

Look at the rest of the industry who are all trying to roll out plans to nickel & dime the consumer, starting with the ISP's who want to cap bandwidth while content providers are looking to charge for bigger & better content.



Sorry, but Sony does a good deal of nickel and diming on their own. And their online network is the main conduit for it. How many bajillion different songs can a person download at a buck and change for their rock star gaming enjoyment? Charging to download animated wall paper/screensavers? Etc. etc.

Sony’s online offerings are designed to make money. Not be put out there just because they wanted to be nice. They have just found a way to make it lucrative without annoying people by making them pony up an annual fee.

In any case, if the netflix setup is using BD Live tech, then it doesn’t really have anything to do with Sony’s networks. No more really than using a Sony viao computer to access the netflix servers would.

-Suntan

Now, I just need a way to figure out how to get it working in Canada?

I don't mind paying the Netflix fees.

Sorry, but Sony does a good deal of nickel and diming on their own. And their online network is the main conduit for it. How many bajillion different songs can a person download at a buck and change for their rock star gaming enjoyment? Charging to download animated wall paper/screensavers? Etc. etc.

Sony’s online offerings are designed to make money. Not be put out there just because they wanted to be nice. They have just found a way to make it lucrative without annoying people by making them pony up an annual fee.

In any case, if the netflix setup is using BD Live tech, then it doesn’t really have anything to do with Sony’s networks. No more really than using a Sony viao computer to access the netflix servers would.

-Suntan

Um...which makes them exactly like XBox Live without the added monthly fee on top of it. So, I'm not sure what your point is here.

Bottom line: The same Netflix service will cost you $50 less on PS3 than on XBox360.

starting with the ISP's who want to cap bandwidth.


If this ever gets wide spread people will howl like banchees and the government will make it illegal. They're already passing net neutrality legislation as it is. The internet doesn't belong to the ISPs, as they're starting to realize.

Um...which makes them exactly like XBox Live without the added monthly fee on top of it. So, I'm not sure what your point is here.

Bottom line: The same Netflix service will cost you $50 less on PS3 than on XBox360.

Okay, I reserved my free instant streaming disc for my PS3, which will apparently ship to me sometime later this year.

But my Roku player uses almost zero electricity and has no fan noise, so I can't see replacing it with my PS3, unless the picture is noticeably better (doubtful).

I have thought of hooking both my PS3 and my Roku box via Ethernet to a spare wireless router I have in hopes that the router would send data faster to them than they currently stream the signal under their present wireless setup. The one time I attempted that, though, it shut down my router and I had to reconfigure everything. I'll try it again when I have a spare weekend afternoon.

Sorry, but Sony does a good deal of nickel and diming on their own. And their online network is the main conduit for it. How many bajillion different songs can a person download at a buck and change for their rock star gaming enjoyment? Charging to download animated wall paper/screensavers? Etc. etc.

Sony’s online offerings are designed to make money. Not be put out there just because they wanted to be nice. They have just found a way to make it lucrative without annoying people by making them pony up an annual fee.

In any case, if the netflix setup is using BD Live tech, then it doesn’t really have anything to do with Sony’s networks. No more really than using a Sony viao computer to access the netflix servers would.

-Suntan

Um...which makes them exactly like XBox Live without the added monthly fee on top of it. So, I'm not sure what your point is here.

Bottom line: The same Netflix service will cost you $50 less on PS3 than on XBox360.

Yeah, I dont see your point either. Like bass said, Microsoft is also offering similar content on XBL with costs being close to the same...but MS is getting the additional cash flow from monthly subscription fees while Sony is not. When has anything that's been successful ever become cheaper over time while continuing to offer more? Pretty much never...

When has anything that's been successful ever become cheaper over time while continuing to offer more? Pretty much never...


Um....

http://www.garmana.com/blogs/mark/images/oldcomputer.jpg

This is awesome, all the tv shows that I've been planning to catch up on with wife will be at our finger tips.

Um...which makes them exactly like XBox Live without the added monthly fee on top of it. So, I'm not sure what your point is here.


The post I originally responded to suggested that Sony would probably charge for online access next go round to be like Xbox, and then justified the claim by suggesting that Sony’s “free” service doesn’t cut it in an industry that nickels and dimes their customers.

My point was that Sony *does* nickel and dime its customers with their online service, they just don’t charge an annual fee (which is arguably more offensive.)

Lest, anyone continue to draw the wrong conclusions. My opinion is that Sony can continue to offer online capabilities like they do now without the need to charge a monthly/annual service fee specifically for access to it. Because they can use it as a conduit to nickel and dime people for DLC. (Not that I think there is anything wrong with that.)

-Suntan

Although unrelated to this thread, I disagree that Sony is nickel and diming you on DLC.
Burnout Paradise Time-Savers Pack - Just play the game and earn the cars
LBP Costumes - are they necessary or do they add to the game in any way? No.
HSG Costumes - see above
HV Bowling characters - don't need them to add to the game or play the game...
Premium Themes - Whatever. Like paying for desktop photos for Windows.
And on, and on... Nobody's forcing you to download that stuff.

Um....

http://www.garmana.com/blogs/mark/images/oldcomputer.jpg

I only had a Tandy 1000....

:(

As for charging, Sonys got the right model.

MS initially argued it was due to match making and hosting, but more and more developers are forgoing game hosting servers and just using P2P. the biggest MP game of the fall, MW2, is going to be done through IW's new matchmaking service, and as far as I know is strictly p2p on consoles.

MS also, even if some Sony fans don't acknowledge it, offers vanilla gaming as a free service. (doesn't that make the point they have the better model moot?).

The stuff MS nickles and dimes you on is funny in that regard, as most of it is just early access, extra Live functionality or what stuff that should be included with core gaming.

Sony tends to nickle and dime us on things that are optional. Trinkets that offer little else besides customization (Which is really the only stuff I support nickel and dimeing for). LBP for example. Very little of the DLC affects game play, and the stuff that does isn't outrageously priced. Home is hugely popular with younger and less hardcore gamers; and it's free. Want to add some individuality to your avatar, that's where it'll cost you.

Although unrelated to this thread, I disagree that Sony is nickel and diming you on DLC.
Burnout Paradise Time-Savers Pack - Just play the game and earn the cars
LBP Costumes - are they necessary or do they add to the game in any way? No.
HSG Costumes - see above
HV Bowling characters - don't need them to add to the game or play the game...
Premium Themes - Whatever. Like paying for desktop photos for Windows.
And on, and on... Nobody's forcing you to download that stuff.

Not only that, but I still don't see how "charging for DLC and charging for access to online multiplayer" = "charging for DLC with free online multiplayer." It's not like stuff costs more on the PS3 than it does for the Xbox. If anything, it's cheaper since you don't have to buy arbitrary Microsoft Points or Nintendo Credits to use in the respective stores.

Sony tends to nickle and dime us on things that are optional.

Then you list a bunch of game DLC, which also exist on the 360 (Horse armor!). Like it or not DLC is part of the business model, it is not something exclusive to Sony.

I wonder if them doing this on a Disc via BD Live is a "loophole" around Microsoft's agreement with Neflix or if it's just better for them to do it that way.

I wonder if them doing this on a Disc via BD Live is a "loophole" around Microsoft's agreement with Neflix or if it's just better for them to do it that way.

And I wonder if you have to have the disc running while streaming Netflix Watch Instantly, or if the disc installs the "game" on your PS3 HDD so you can thereafter access Watch Instantly via the PS3 menu without having to load the disc every time (which could become a bit of a pain at times).

Sony tends to nickle and dime us on things that are optional.

Like how microsoft charges you tons for their own harddrive, 100 dollar wireless adaptors and how microsoft points and dealt so you'll always have little left?? Also how you can't download online games on any other system other than your gamer tag?? I can go on.

I wonder if them doing this on a Disc via BD Live is a "loophole" around Microsoft's agreement with Neflix or if it's just better for them to do it that way.


I can't imagine that the terms of the agreement with Microsoft would have to do with the delivery method of the streaming software. It was probably just a timed exclusivity like is so prevalent these days.

I just think they want to get it out as soon as possible to add it to the list of features before Black Friday without rushing a firmware update.

I wonder if them doing this on a Disc via BD Live is a "loophole" around Microsoft's agreement with Neflix or if it's just better for them to do it that way.

Sony's probably trying to avoid any more lawsuits from a Netflix F/W update killing someone's blu-ray drive. :rolleyes:

It seems that they either found a loophole and it didn't give Sony enough time to create a F/W update with a NF app, or Netflix was originally planning on extending their agreement with MS, saw the PS3 was gaining a lot of momentum, and figured now was the time to capture a larger audience. Maybe the potential new customers on PS3 outweighed the benefit of extending an exclusive contract with MS. Just a guess.

Is it a disc that gets delivered to the subscriber? My guess it is a way to prevent account sharing if so.

Then you list a bunch of game DLC, which also exist on the 360 (Horse armor!). Like it or not DLC is part of the business model, it is not something exclusive to Sony.

Yes, but what I was saying was the DLC is optional stuff. Costumes, tons and tons of RB songs, ect. Stuff, that some people may want, but most can skip and not feel left out.

Map packs, new modes, ect, for the most part, are very cheap or free on both systems (Except RE5, but Capcom screwed both consoles there). I'm fine for nickel and dimeing on cosmetics for both systems.

For the most part the extras you pay for Live are what should be core components or aren't even reasons to buy it anymore (Dedicated servers going the wayside). Is it really worth $50 a year to have faster access to demos?
Anyways, getting OT. Nice to see the PS3 get Netflix, even if I won't currently use it much.

And I wonder if you have to have the disc running while streaming Netflix Watch Instantly, or if the disc installs the "game" on your PS3 HDD so you can thereafter access Watch Instantly via the PS3 menu without having to load the disc every time (which could become a bit of a pain at times).

Sounds like they're doing this to get a BDLive executable to your HDD. All BD Live is run when a disk is in the drive, so not sure if it'll be boot-able sans disk after an initial install or not.

My guess is it's just a temp solution until Sony can work something into their video store or the XMB. We all know how long their software team takes and their green lighting process takes.

my guess is they see this as a way to get it up and running before Xmas hits, so they can add another thing to their "It does everything" Ad campaign for Xmas. Sharing really isn't an issue, since Streaming Netflix requires a log-in anyways.

Maybe the potential new customers on PS3 outweighed the benefit of extending an exclusive contract with MS. Just a guess.

Netflix entire model is to get Netflix streaming running on as many things as possible; they've said so themselves. If they figure out how to get it on a toaster, I'm sure you'd see it out the next month. My guess is the contract is worded to provide an exclusive xbox interface to access their content, not the content itself nor the service.

If its just a BD-live disc, why can't it be used in other BD-Live networked player without netflix support (but with network access) to get netflix streaming. Are there any special BD-Live disc in market now, which only works in PS3 and not in other standalone player.

The post I originally responded to suggested that Sony would probably charge for online access next go round to be like Xbox, and then justified the claim by suggesting that Sony’s “free” service doesn’t cut it in an industry that nickels and dimes their customers.

My point was that Sony *does* nickel and dime its customers with their online service, they just don’t charge an annual fee (which is arguably more offensive.)

Lest, anyone continue to draw the wrong conclusions. My opinion is that Sony can continue to offer online capabilities like they do now without the need to charge a monthly/annual service fee specifically for access to it. Because they can use it as a conduit to nickel and dime people for DLC. (Not that I think there is anything wrong with that.)

-Suntan

I didnt mean to come off saying that Sony's service doesnt cut it....it actually does. But I just dont see Sony not jumping on more profits when EVERYONE else is making money for a similar service.

Similar to Southwest Airlines right now going on a media blitz about how they DONT charge for the first checked bag on a paid flight. Sure, they dont now but people STILL fly the airlines that do charge...and in some cases more people fly the "others" than they do Southwest. I guarantee that both Southwest and Sony, while advertising free services that the others charge for will be charging the same fees that everyone else does very, very soon.

I remember a few years back when the NCUA (Credit Union Assoc) spent oodles of money on an advertising blitz to convince people that they should put their money in a credit union where they care for their customers and they dont charge ridiculous ATM fees. Guess what...they all charge ATM fees now if you take money from some other bank or credit union that is NOT part of some small circle or if you keep a high minimum balance.

Buisness is buisness and they prosper by making money from every possible angle they can.

Yes, but what I was saying was the DLC is optional stuff. Costumes, tons and tons of RB songs, ect. Stuff, that some people may want, but most can skip and not feel left out.
.

Nm, i read your post wrong. My fault.

I disagree that Sony is nickel and diming you on DLC... ...Nobody's forcing you to download that stuff.

As I said above, I don’t have a problem with them charging for all that stuff.

I actually like that they do this as I am not going to waste my money on it, but if it defrays the cost of offering the online service such that I can get access without having to pay a subscription fee, all the better.

That said, charging money for this or that individual song to be added to your rock band game or this or that hat to become available for your sack person to wear in the game *is* nickel and diming.

-Suntan

If its just a BD-live disc, why can't it be used in other BD-Live networked player without netflix support (but with network access) to get netflix streaming. Are there any special BD-Live disc in market now, which only works in PS3 and not in other standalone player.

Theoretically, it should as long as the player has an internet connection.

That said, charging money for this or that individual song to be added to your rock band game or this or that hat to become available for your sack person to wear in the game *is* nickel and diming.

-Suntan

I disagree. I don't believe that charging me extra for more songs for RB is any different than charging me for DVDs instead of them coming free with my DVD player. And again, it's not like you NEED more songs for RB to be able to play the game, it is still an option.

Nickel and diming me would be if I had to pay for firmware updates to be able to play the latest game.

I disagree. I don't believe that charging me extra for more songs for RB is any different than charging me for DVDs instead of them coming free with my DVD player. And again, it's not like you NEED more songs for RB to be able to play the game, it is still an option.

Nickel and diming me would be if I had to pay for firmware updates to be able to play the latest game.

Fair enough. If you don’t want to call it nickel and diming, feel free to come up with a different term for it. In the end, Sony is charging small amounts of money for a lot of complementary content that they provide through their network connection. Presumably recouping the operating costs of the service as well as making a profit off of it.

Happy?

-Suntan

Why are you talking about RB? Doesn't extra dlc songs cost the same on the 360?

Netflix entire model is to get Netflix streaming running on as many things as possible; they've said so themselves. If they figure out how to get it on a toaster, I'm sure you'd see it out the next month.

That would be cool! I've been looking to replace our aging 13" kitchen CRT with something better, and this would solve that problem, plus having an appliance do double-duty means one less item to keep on the counter!

Though I would prefer that Netflix use our oven door. That would be a really nice-size screen and would also be located better than the toaster.

Fair enough. If you don’t want to call it nickel and diming, feel free to come up with a different term for it. In the end, Sony is charging small amounts of money for a lot of complementary content that they provide through their network connection. Presumably recouping the operating costs of the service as well as making a profit off of it.

Happy?

-Suntan

No. You seem to be making the argument that Sony is "nickel and diming" by charging for ADDED content. Microsoft is charging the same money for the same ADDED content that Sony is. It's completely irrelevant to this thread in every way. You have yet to make a point that shows how it is relevant to Netflix. Of course Sony and Microsoft make money on DLC. What's your point?

You do not need to purchase anything from Sony to get access to online multi-player or access Netflix. You need to purchase a GOLD membership on LIVE to play online multi-player and access Netflix. This is the only comparison that is relevant to this thread.

Again, DLC is irrelevant to the discussion at hand and you have said nothing to the contrary.

Jeez man, I wasn't the one that brought it up. I was just putting it out there that Sony *does* make money from selling content through their network connection and that as such, they don't *have* to charge a subcription for it to keep it from being a money losing activity.

-Suntan

Well, this is great news, I might have to sign up for Netflix depending on how smoothly this goes. I've been pretty underwhelmed with Sony's own video store, I am assuming Netflix is a lot better (albeit subscription of course).

Fair enough. If you don’t want to call it nickel and diming, feel free to come up with a different term for it.Sure. It's called "selling additional content."

You're misusing the term "nickel and diming." It usually refers to a very specific situation where someone is being forced to spend a cripplingly large amount of money in very small increments. Hence the title of Barbara Ehrenreich's book.

How did this come from a discussion of a free service like Netflix streaming? :confused:

Personally not so excited about this. I love my Blockbuster plan because I can trade in my BD mailers right around the corner and since my BB has a great Bluray collection makes it all the better. Plus, this is an AV forum and I would have thought more people would have felt meh about the super compressed HD and stereo sound. I'd rather watch an upconverted DVD with 5.1 DD.

Sure. It's called "selling additional content."

You're misusing the term "nickel and diming." It usually refers to a very specific situation where someone is being forced to spend a cripplingly large amount of money in very small increments.

Like I said, feel free to come up with another term if it makes you happy. I'm not out to prove that Sony "Nickles and Dimes" if everyone agrees that is a bad term. I do not feel that they force you to buy all the little costs, it is completely complementary content and not required. I already said I don't have a problem with the tactic. I do maintain that it is probably lucritive enough that they don't need to charge for their network service with a subscription.

If you really want to keep beating a dead horse because you are offended I reused the term someone else posted before me, have at it... :rolleyes:


How did this come from a discussion of a free service like Netflix streaming? :confused:

That would be here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=17420051&postcount=44) Besides, what would you rather we talk about at this point? A guess as to how many days before netflix starts shipping the discs?

-Suntan

That would be cool! I've been looking to replace our aging 13" kitchen CRT with something better, and this would solve that problem, plus having an appliance do double-duty means one less item to keep on the counter!

Though I would prefer that Netflix use our oven door. That would be a really nice-size screen and would also be located better than the toaster.

Not too get too far OT, but we're finally just about there for that roll down shade HDTV from B2TF:2! All we need is OLED to come down in price, and we'll have it about a decade faster the Marty McFly did! Some of us already have our 100" screen too.

now, what about that hydrator?

:p

Jeez man, I wasn't the one that brought it up. I was just putting it out there that Sony *does* make money from selling content through their network connection and that as such, they don't *have* to charge a subcription for it to keep it from being a money losing activity.

-Suntan

No offense, but your argument was flawed from the beginning since you are attempting to equate "charging for access" and "charging for content."

No one has ever said Sony didn't make money on downloads.

Personally not so excited about this. I love my Blockbuster plan because I can trade in my BD mailers right around the corner and since my BB has a great Bluray collection makes it all the better. Plus, this is an AV forum and I would have thought more people would have felt meh about the super compressed HD and stereo sound. I'd rather watch an upconverted DVD with 5.1 DD.

I fully agree with your point here. But, consider this: many people altrernate with their wife/signifigant other for what blu-ray to get from netflix. If we start getting free streaming movies, I can stop wasting my turns on romantic comedies that have 98% of the information in the center channel. Which could mean more Action Blu-rays more often. I guess the biggest thing I will have to wait and see is hoe the PQ is for these streaming netflix movies on my tv.

No offense, but your argument was flawed from the beginning since you are attempting to equate "charging for access" and "charging for content."

No one has ever said Sony didn't make money on downloads.

So, do you think that Sony *will* charge for network access on the PS4?

-Suntan

For someone not familiar with Netflix at all, how does the streaming work? You pay $9.99 or whatever per month and that entitles you to stream a certain number of movies per month? And then anything you want beyond that you pay for each one?

So, do you think that Sony *will* charge for network access on the PS4?

-Suntan


Nah, they just factor that stuff into the price of their DLC. :D

Seriously, you can never tell with the corporate hive mind. One of the big points for the PSN right now is that it's free. But, I remember a time when Apple made a point that they didn't use Intel chips in their computers and Metallica didn't make music videos, too.

But, I don't think they will charge for network access while the PS3 is still viable.

For someone not familiar with Netflix at all, how does the streaming work? You pay $9.99 or whatever per month and that entitles you to stream a certain number of movies per month? And then anything you want beyond that you pay for each one?

Nope, unlimited access to limited content. There are about 12,000 videos available for streaming. Some newer stuff, some HD, etc. Not all titles are available, but you have unlimited access to the stuff that is available.

I fully agree with your point here. But, consider this: many people altrernate with their wife/signifigant other for what blu-ray to get from netflix. If we start getting free streaming movies, I can stop wasting my turns on romantic comedies that have 98% of the information in the center channel. Which could mean more Action Blu-rays more often. I guess the biggest thing I will have to wait and see is hoe the PQ is for these streaming netflix movies on my tv.

Good point. I have to get this off my chest... I secretly enjoy watching romantic comedies with my wife. * embarrassed* The bonus is that I make sure she knows how good of a husband I am for putting up with those movies just for her pleasure, and half the times those movies "get her in the mood". :D

Nope, unlimited access to limited content. There are about 12,000 videos available for streaming. Some newer stuff, some HD, etc. Not all titles are available, but you have unlimited access to the stuff that is available.Cool thanks.

For someone not familiar with Netflix at all, how does the streaming work? You pay $9.99 or whatever per month and that entitles you to stream a certain number of movies per month? And then anything you want beyond that you pay for each one?

If you subscribe to the one-disc-at-a-time plan with unlimited Watch Instantly viewing (it was $8.99/month; maybe more now, maybe $2 more if you get Blu-Ray option), you can Watch Instantly any of their 10,000+ movies on your PC (download the free viewer plug-in) or, with the right hardware (Roku player, XBox 360, some Blu-Ray players and TVs), on your TV. For TV viewing, you put (via your PC at Netflix.com) as many movies/shows as you want in your Watch Instantly queue and you can then access those from the Netflix Menu that shows up on your TV. The Watch Instantly HD movies (720p) look pretty good; not as good as blu-ray or HDTV, but much better than SD.

Good point. I have to get this off my chest... I secretly enjoy watching romantic comedies with my wife. * embarrassed* The bonus is that I make sure she knows how good of a husband I am for putting up with those movies just for her pleasure, and half the times those movies "get her in the mood". :D

Just like anything else, some are good and some are bad. I mean, you can't expect Citizen Kane or whatever when sitting down to the newest romcom. Just like you don't expect it with the newest summer blockbuster.

Good point. I have to get this off my chest... I secretly enjoy watching romantic comedies with my wife. * embarrassed* The bonus is that I make sure she knows how good of a husband I am for putting up with those movies just for her pleasure, and half the times those movies "get her in the mood". :D

I termed a phrase back in college; "Chick flicks on mute".

Put em on mute while doing other things, and they're not half bad. Lots of eye candy! You're a great catch if you can get through them without mute!

haha

:)

Plus, this is an AV forum and I would have thought more people would have felt meh about the super compressed HD and stereo sound.

I think there is room for both. When I sit down in the evening to watch a movie I am really interested in, I want full 1080p and uncompressed 7.1.

When I want something on TV as background noise while I am surfing the web or paying the bills, Netflix quality is more than decent. Simply put, there is just too much content out there for me to devote my undivided attention to all of it.

Case in point, I just watched “Doctor Strangelove” last weekend through netflix on demand while sitting at the computer processing digital pictures (while the wife used the big screen to watch “Highschool Musical” with her “girls movie night” group :rolleyes: ) I would have never gotten around to watching it if I had to sit down and do nothing else but watch. As such, Netflix lets me catch up on a lot of movies I’ve always been interested in, but never enough to go to the trouble of actually *watching* them.

And if you ever get the flu and stay home from work for a day or two… …you would be terrified to know what kind of hell it is to try and find something on TV during the middle of a weekday… :eek:

-Suntan

Just like anything else, some are good and some are bad. I mean, you can't expect Citizen Kane or whatever when sitting down to the newest romcom. Just like you don't expect it with the newest summer blockbuster.


OK, so here's my movie pitch: it's Citizen Kane, as a romantic comedy! Charles Foster Kane is a down-on-his luck widowed dad who's always coming up with amazing contraptions. The Spanish-American War is a jaded thirtysomething who buries herself in her work to avoid the emptiness in her personal life. "Rosebud" is Charles Foster Kane's adorable (possibly ethnic) adopted daughter, who dispenses precocious romantic wisdom!

What do you think?

I think there is room for both. When I sit down in the evening to watch a movie I am really interested in, I want full 1080p and uncompressed 7.1.

When I want something on TV as background noise while I am surfing the web or paying the bills, Netflix quality is more than decent. Simply put, there is just too much content out there for me to devote my undivided attention to all of it.

Case in point, I just watched “Doctor Strangelove” last weekend through netflix on demand while sitting at the computer processing digital pictures (while the wife used the big screen to watch “Highschool Musical” with her “girls movie night” group :rolleyes: ) I would have never gotten around to watching it if I had to sit down and do nothing else but watch. As such, Netflix lets me catch up on a lot of movies I’ve always been interested in, but never enough to go to the trouble of actually *watching* them.

And if you ever get the flu and stay home from work for a day or two… …you would be terrified to know what kind of hell it is to try and find something on TV during the middle of a weekday… :eek:

-Suntan

you ain't kidding. i have been jobless all summer and home most afternoons and there is nothing good on TV. i'm sure there is some decent stuff on Netflix to watch. i don't need full 1080p and 5.1 surround all the time.

OK, so here's my movie pitch: it's Citizen Kane, as a romantic comedy! Charles Foster Kane is a down-on-his luck widowed dad who's always coming up with amazing contraptions. The Spanish-American War is a jaded thirtysomething who buries herself in her work to avoid the emptiness in her personal life. "Rosebud" is Charles Foster Kane's adorable (possibly ethnic) adopted daughter, who dispenses precocious romantic wisdom!

What do you think?Splunge!

Netflix.com

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from http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/10/netflix-streaming-coming-to-ps3-but-via-blu-ray-disc.ars

The two companies predicated the news [about needing a disc] by saying that this would only be the case "initially," indicating that the PS3 might still get native Netflix streaming sometime in the future. Indeed, this appears to be the case after we spoke with Netflix spokesperson Chris Garrity.

"Netflix members and PS3 owners have really wanted a way to instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system. The instant streaming disc represented the fastest and easiest way to let them so this," Garrity told Ars. "Late next year we expect to have an embedded solution available for PS3s via a system software update slated for release through the PlayStation Network."

I termed a phrase back in college; "Chick flicks on mute".

Put em on mute while doing other things, and they're not half bad. Lots of eye candy! You're a great catch if you can get through them without mute!

haha

:)

If it wasn't for my wife I would have missed some great movies like The Notebook and Love Actually. I'm man enough to admit it.

Just like anything else, some are good and some are bad. I mean, you can't expect Citizen Kane or whatever when sitting down to the newest romcom. Just like you don't expect it with the newest summer blockbuster.

+1. The thing I like the most about Netflix's streaming selection is I've been able to "discover" a lot of decent foreign, straight to video, and otherwise B movies that I would have never put in my disc queue. Some of it's pretty good when you're not expecting "major studio blockbuster."

If it wasn't for my wife I would have missed some great movies like The Notebook and Love Actually. I'm man enough to admit it.You must be mad if you're putting The Notebook on the same footing as Love Actually. That's the romcom equivalent of saying Resident Evil: Extinction is as good as The Dark Knight.

You must be mad if you're putting The Notebook on the same footing as Love Actually. That's the romcom equivalent of saying Resident Evil: Extinction is as good as The Dark Knight.

It was the first two movies that came to mind. Actually it was Juno but I'm not ready to hand in my man card today, so I left it out.

It was the first two movies that came to mind. Actually it was Juno but I'm not ready to hand in my man card today, so I left it out.
I liked Juno

I liked Juno

+1, and another one Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a chick flick? I thought Juno was borderline...definitely not on the same level as The Notebook or Love Actually (though I've never seen either of them - but instead being prejudiced based on titles).

Superman Returns was a major chick flick.

Only I liked it better than my wife did. She's not a fan of superhero movies (she says that; but she likes Hellboy I&II and Iron Man, and kinda liked Ed Norton's The Incredible Hulk; but she really dislikes animation for the most part, and sci-fi is kind of iffy).

Some more info:

http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/700212/TheFeed.html?utm_source=g4tv&utm_medium=twitterblog&utm_campaign=so-0907-twitterthefeed-700212&cmpid=so-0907-twitterthefeed-700212

Netflix coming to PlayStation 3 next month is good news for PlayStation 3 owners (and Xbox 360 users whose primary reason for a Gold membership has been easy Netflix streaming access). But several questions about Netflix coming to Sony's platform weren't answered in the announcement release. Is there HD streaming? Why do I need a disc to access it?

I spoke with Netflix's VP of corporate communications Steve Swasey on the phone this morning to clarify these points and others. Again, good news: you should be happy with these answers, too.

Yes, Netflix on PlayStation 3 supports HD streaming. The entire Netflix streaming catalogue -- HD or not -- that's currently available on the PC, via Netflix-supporting TVs and, yes, through Xbox 360 will be available for PlayStation 3 users on day one. Swasey admitted Netflix's streaming catalogue isn't nearly as vast as its disc catalog, but said it's something they're actively expanding every day.

At the outset, in order to access Netflix on your PlayStation 3, you'll need to pop in a disc. The disc is free and yours to keep. All you need to do is ask for one and keep it nearby when you want to access Netflix streaming. That's not permanent. Swasey confirmed Netflix will have an "embedded solution" (i.e. a proper application, ala Xbox 360) "at some point," but couldn't say when.

Swasey wouldn't comment on speculation that it's a disc-based solution at the moment to get around whatever exclusivity contract the company currently has with Microsoft. Regardless, PlayStation 3 users will eventually have a more elegant way to access Netflix that doesn't require a disc, but according to Swasey, this was the "fastest and easiest way to get PlayStation 3 members now."

Netflix has not announced a specific date for when it will start shipping the Netflix-enabling Blu-ray discs for PlayStation 3 owners, but it's happening sometime in November. If you want to be at the top of the list, I recommend linking your account right now.

Um...which makes them exactly like XBox Live without the added monthly fee on top of it. So, I'm not sure what your point is here.

Bottom line: The same Netflix service will cost you $50 less on PS3 than on XBox360.Unless you're spending that $50 anyway, then it's the same price.

Some people seem to have trouble grasping this simple concept.

My internet costs me $100 a month, I don't add that cost to my "costs for delivering netflix", it's an infrastructure cost that I would be paying irrespective of having netflix. Same for the Live cost.

I mean if you want to look at it that way, netflix streaming instantly costs me (monthly) 8.99+ $4 (live) + 104.95 (internet) + $85 (Cable, which I wouldn't have if not because of needing the internet) + $150 (electricity, without which I could not watch netflix) + $8 (paytrust, which I use to pay all these bills) + $15 (router and cabling cost amortized over a year for bringing the signal to my TV room) + $17 (50" Kuro for actually watching the content, amortized over 10 years) + $8 (AVR amortized over 3 years)
I could carry on... why not add in the couch, and the house, both things I require to watch netflix in my TV room on the 360. I didn't add the cost of the 360, since I got given mine for free.

The true cost of watching netflix can be accounted for by finding out how much less you would pay a month if you _didn't_ use it. In my case, $8.99. Maybe someone would also not require live gold at that point, and then they could claim they save an extra $4 a month. I doubt there are many of those people though.

Yes, he works for Microsoft. Yes, he is a spokesman.

Man, that was some jive he tried to pass by us.

Unless you're spending that $50 anyway, then it's the same price.

Some people seem to have trouble grasping this simple concept.

My internet costs me $100 a month, I don't add that cost to my "costs for delivering netflix", it's an infrastructure cost that I would be paying irrespective of having netflix. Same for the Live cost.

I mean if you want to look at it that way, netflix streaming instantly costs me (monthly) 8.99+ $4 (live) + 104.95 (internet) + $85 (Cable, which I wouldn't have if not because of needing the internet) + $150 (electricity, without which I could not watch netflix) + $8 (paytrust, which I use to pay all these bills) + $15 (router and cabling cost amortized over a year for bringing the signal to my TV room) + $17 (50" Kuro for actually watching the content, amortized over 10 years) + $8 (AVR amortized over 3 years)
I could carry on... why not add in the couch, and the house, both things I require to watch netflix in my TV room on the 360. I didn't add the cost of the 360, since I got given mine for free.

The true cost of watching netflix can be accounted for by finding out how much less you would pay a month if you _didn't_ use it. In my case, $8.99. Maybe someone would also not require live gold at that point, and then they could claim they save an extra $4 a month. I doubt there are many of those people though.

Um...Thanks?

If I want to eat a sliced apple and I have neither an apple nor a knife, I go to the store. I find that I have been presented with two options: 1)buy an apple for $1, and buy a knife for $.20, or 2) buy an apple for $1 that comes with a free knife.

If I already own a knife, it doesn't matter that the knife can also cut oranges. But, if I am in need of sliced apples and have nothing I need, I will choose the apple that comes with free knife over an apple where I have to buy a knife separately.


Does that clear things up?

I'll get back to you on amortizing the value of the knife, the carving board used for cutting the apple, the monthly cost of the exterminator to kill fruit flies that might interfere with the enjoyment of the apple, the cost of a cutting stone, a year's supply of bandaids, and copy of a "How to Cut Apples Like the Pros" as sold by zombie BILLY MAYS.

Yes, he works for Microsoft. Yes, he is a spokesman.

Man, that was some jive he tried to pass by us.

Yea, WTF?

Go back in your hole you Gates zombie!

PS3 = Free Netflix
360 = $50 Gold subscription

There is no way around that so thanks for playing.

Wow, I didn't think it was that complicated :confused: The fanboyism in this thread astounds me. I really can't believe you guys don't grasp such simple concepts :rolleyes: All he was saying was that if you already have a Gold subscription (there are many reasons to have one besides Netflix) then you don't count that in the cost of getting Netflix. I had a Gold subscription for 2 or 3 years before Netflix came out, so it's not like when Netflix arrived, it was an "added" cost. The only way I would count it as a "cost" on the 360 is if that's the only reason you have The Gold Subscription (i.e. you don't use it for anything else and ONLY got it for Netflix). Really it's not that hard if you can put down the fanboy banner for 2 seconds.

Well, at least I changed the title to get rid of the 'Possibly soon" monicker as to not confuse you guys further.

Wow, I didn't think it was that complicated :confused: The fanboyism in this thread astounds me. I really can't believe you guys don't grasp such simple concepts :rolleyes:

Well, at least I changed the title to get rid of the 'Possibly soon" monicker as to not confuse you guys further.

I think you should probably work harder to grasp the concept of "editing the post doesn't edit the thread title." :D

Wow, I didn't think it was that complicated :confused: The fanboyism in this thread astounds me. I really can't believe you guys don't grasp such simple concepts :rolleyes: All he was saying was that if you already have a Gold subscription (there are many reasons to have one besides Netflix) then you don't count that in the cost of getting Netflix. I had a Gold subscription for 2 or 3 years before Netflix came out, so it's not like when Netflix arrived, it was an "added" cost. The only way I would count it as a "cost" on the 360 is if that's the only reason you have The Gold Subscription (i.e. you don't use it for anything else and ONLY got it for Netflix). Really it's not that hard if you can put down the fanboy banner for 2 seconds.

Well, at least I changed the title to get rid of the 'Possibly soon" monicker as to not confuse you guys further.
Pot meet kettle. An xbot calling us fanboys LOL

Pot meet kettle. An xbot calling us fanboys LOL

I have all 3 systems, thanks. Feel free to check my post history (although I don't post much in the PS3 section due to these reasons).

I guess I'm outta here. Have fun bickering and thumping your chests.

Wow, I didn't think it was that complicated :confused: The fanboyism in this thread astounds me. I really can't believe you guys don't grasp such simple concepts :rolleyes: All he was saying was that if you already have a Gold subscription (there are many reasons to have one besides Netflix) then you don't count that in the cost of getting Netflix. I had a Gold subscription for 2 or 3 years before Netflix came out, so it's not like when Netflix arrived, it was an "added" cost. The only way I would count it as a "cost" on the 360 is if that's the only reason you have The Gold Subscription (i.e. you don't use it for anything else and ONLY got it for Netflix). Really it's not that hard if you can put down the fanboy banner for 2 seconds.

Well, at least I changed the title to get rid of the 'Possibly soon" monicker as to not confuse you guys further.


We're talking about different concepts.


This is a service announcement designed to attract new customers. Sony wants it mentioned in every article about this announcement that it's free with a Netflix subscription on the PS3 but costs $50 for LIVE Gold on the 360. That way, when Mommy goes to Gamestop before XMas to buy a new gaming system for Little Jimmy, she thinks "$299 for a PS3 or $300 for the XBox and $50 for the LIVE for Netflix." * It's one more thing that can't be pointed to that the 360 has over the PS3.

Of course someone already paying for LIVE won't factor it into the cost of having Netflix. That's dumb. It's such a simple concept that I thought it went without saying. Apparently, I was wrong. :rolleyes:




*To be explicitly clear, I'm oversimplifying things here.

I do wish that it didn't require the use of the BluRay disc. Unlike some, I don't think they did it to get around an exclusivity contract...I think they did it because Netflix intends to roll it to every BD-Live enabled player they can and the PS3 just happens to benefit from that. I hope they eventually come up with a XMB version, instead. Otherwise I may find the occasional use for it, but I'll probably stick with the 360 implementation for now.

It's nice the PS3 is finally getting the service, though.

We're talking about different concepts.

This is a service announcement designed to attract new customers. Sony wants it mentioned in every article about this announcement that it's free with a Netflix subscription on the PS3 but costs $50 for LIVE Gold on the 360. That way, when Mommy goes to Gamestop before XMas to buy a new gaming system for Little Jimmy, she thinks "$299 for a PS3 or $300 for the XBox and $50 for the LIVE for Netflix." * It's one more thing that can't be pointed to that the 360 has over the PS3.

Of course someone already paying for LIVE won't factor it into the cost of having Netflix. That's dumb. It's such a simple concept that I thought it went without saying. Apparently, I was wrong. :rolleyes:


Ok, I didn't know you were talking about the advertising concepts, as the post above mine (which I probably should have quoted originally) explicitly says:
Yea, WTF?
PS3 = Free Netflix
360 = $50 Gold subscription
There is no way around that so thanks for playing.

which of course is not the case, except, as you agreed, if someone is only purchasing the Gold solely for Netflix. Although, surprisingly Sony has not advertised the price advantage over Live (that I am aware of) despite it always being the case.

I did order the disc, so I will be curious to compare the two systems.

This is a service announcement designed to attract new customers. Sony wants it mentioned in every article about this announcement that it's free with a Netflix subscription on the PS3 but costs $50 for LIVE Gold on the 360. That way, when Mommy goes to Gamestop before XMas to buy a new gaming system for Little Jimmy, she thinks "$299 for a PS3 or $300 for the XBox and $50 for the LIVE for Netflix." * It's one more thing that can't be pointed to that the 360 has over the PS3.

I'm sure of that, but I think Sony better crow it long and fast...before the idea that it may run on ANY BD player gets out. By this holiday, we'll have multiple $99 BD players, which will steal Sony's thunder while enhancing Netflix's rep.

Honestly, I don't think that Mommy is going to be making the decision of a PS3 versus a 360 based on Netflix. Mommy is more likely to buy a Wii OR will already know what Jimmy wants specifically. The Netflix announcement is for Daddy, deciding among video games or more likely, between BD players. Now, I grant you...the guy at Gamestop might use that as a selling point and that might be a deciding factor at the end of the day....but that same salesman might want to sell the Xbox live membership points, so who knows?

Is a 1 Mega-Bit DSL connection fast enough for this?
Try Youtube HD videos or any hd videosite you can find. Can you download it without constant buffering? Nothing fundamental changes about the bandwidth use so expect to suffer major bufferings.

Will Netflix work with either PS3 fat or Slim? Or just Slim? Will there be a membership cost for this like the Xbox?
No, you get Netflix bluray disc for free from Netflix, PS3 network use is free, it works on any PS3 be it slim or fat. Only fee you pay is a normal Netflix subscription.

What kind of stupid crap is this? Everyone with a PS3 has a hard drive, why would they make you use a disc?
Nice trick to go around Microsoft's exclusivity of an integrated console-menu implementation. Once deal is expired no bd disc is required and they implement integrated system. This is what Netflix manager already confirmed.

If its just a BD-live disc, why can't it be used in other BD-Live networked player without netflix support
Most likely they don't bother testing all possible bd players, PS3 has had the most complete and fastest bdj implementation. Hence PS3-only promise makes sense, it may work on other player but don't call them if not. Yes, bdj implementations have various differences and bugs, so consentrating on ps3 use-case is help programmer's life.

I agree, kids aren't going to care. It did just sway a friend's decision though, as his wife was OK'ing the purchase if it would stream Netflix. :)

The bigger question is why does MS make you have a Gold membership to use netflix? Why not give it to every xbx360 owner and advertise that netflix is free with the xbox360. Of coarse its to late for them to do that, but they should of done that when they had netflix exclusive. Its a missed opportunity IMO...

Try Youtube HD videos or any hd videosite you can find. Can you download it without constant buffering? Nothing fundamental changes about the bandwidth use so expect to suffer major bufferings.


I believe 3 is the minimum required, and 5-6 for HD. I've never had a problem with HD (Comcast here).

I do not know what the PS3 player will be like (but am interested to see), but since the August update on the 360 pretty much eliminated buffering...the quality auto-adjusts (with like a quarter-second interruption) if your bandwidth slows, then adjusts to a higher quality if the bandwidth increases again.

Prior to the August update, it would adjust down (with a rebuffer) then not adjust back up.

Again, I don't know if it will be the same on PS3 or not.

The bigger question is why does MS make you have a Gold membership to use netflix? Why not give it to every xbx360 owner and advertise that netflix is free with the xbox360. Of coarse its to late for them to do that, but they should of done that when they had netflix exclusive. Its a missed opportunity IMO...

I wouldn't be surprised if they do open it up, because after all they are the only device now that requires an "extra" subscription. But keep in mind at the time, the 360 was (IMO) the "pilot" or "live beta" test for the service, since it was available before any other devices except the Roku (which wasn't a large install base). They may not have wanted to open it up to tens of millions of new subscribers overnight, and instead used the Gold Members to let Netflix and MS work out the bugs, make improvements and "prove" that it worked on a large scale without grinding Netflix's servers to a halt.

Just a thought, but as you said, the requirement is now a detriment to the 360, so I wouldn't be surprised the eliminate it shortly (although I have heard nothing of the sort, so it's just speculation on my part)

This was once my #1 feature wish for the PS3 but now that it is arriving I don't care. I gave up on waiting and got a Roku 9 months ago and now that I have it integrated into my system I only see downside for using the PS3. The Roku is utterly quiet, consumes little power and is on instantly (never really is off-- just in sleep mode). And it works perfectly with my universal remote without having to buy extra converters. It takes seconds to be navigating my list.

By comparison the PS3 is slow to start-up and shut down, I have to manually turn it on/off (I got my Bluetooth remote converter long before the recent Harmony over-priced one came out), it is incredibly noisy and because of all of the above no one else in my household will want to use it whereas even my 4-year-old knows how to use the Roku.

And the fact that you need this disc makes it all the worse. It's already annoying that the stupid Blu-rays lose their place on the disc (and many don't seem to have the bookmark feature activated) and take forever to load.

Don't get me wrong -- I like my PS3, it’s just not nearly as well suited for this task right now as the Roku. Now maybe after I see the interface for the PS3 and see if I can sort my titles myself and other advanced navigation I'll reconsider. And I'm sure this is great for those that don't have a Roku and don't want to part with $99 one time...

Nice trick to go around Microsoft's exclusivity to an integrated console-menu implementation. Once deal is expired no bd disc is required and they implement integrated system. This is what Netflix manager already confirmed.

Do you have a source on that last part? I hadn't heard any confirmation that Netflix would implement an integrated solution. It makes sense for them to do so, but I didn't see any direct statement to that effect.

Seriously, we have to find a way to get rid of corporate shills on AVS, it's becoming absurd.

We need a way to give negative (and positive rep). The things these guys say is not offensive or against the TOS, so we can't really flag them for it.........but after a while it becomes obvious that some posters are waxing poetic about certain companies only because they are directly or indirectly on the payroll.

And no, I will not just dismiss it as bias or 'fanboy-ism'........we have a few shills on AVS, I'm sure of it.

Seriously, we have to find a way to get rid of corporate shills on AVS, it's becoming absolutely absurd.

We need a way to give negative (and positive rep). The things these guys say is not offensive or against the TOS, so we can't really flag them for it.........but after a while it becomes obvious that some posters are waxing poetic about certain companies only because they are directly or indirectly on the payroll.

And no, I will not just dismiss it as bias, 'fanboy-ism'........we have a few shills on AVS, I'm sure of it.

What's your example in this topic?

Do you have a source on that last part? I hadn't heard any confirmation that Netflix would implement an integrated solution. It makes sense for them to do so, but I didn't see any direct statement to that effect.

Sure, here it it. (http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/10/netflix-streaming-coming-to-ps3-but-via-blu-ray-disc.ars)
"Netflix members and PS3 owners have really wanted a way to instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system. The instant streaming disc represented the fastest and easiest way to let them so this," Garrity told Ars. "Late next year we expect to have an embedded solution available for PS3s via a system software update slated for release through the PlayStation Network."

Yes, he works for Microsoft. Yes, he is a spokesman.

Man, that was some jive he tried to pass by us.Wow, talk about attacking the messenger instead of the message.

I have that signature in place because the "new media" tends to take anything said by any employee of a company as if it were a press release. Microsoft encourages us to make our affiliation known, so we cannot be accused of deceptively fiddling with perceptions, but also tells us to make it clear that our views are not necessarily the views of the company. Heck, I don't even work in the XBox organization. (I used to work in the HD DVD team :))

Nice way to sidestep my point though, which was that for most people using netflix on the console, the "one latte a month" they spend on Live is an infrastructure cost that they would be spending whether or not they had netflix. It's deceptive to lump it with the netflix cost as if it were the only reason to have it.

I have a Series 3 Tivo and the XBox, and we use the XBox to view netflix because the experience is vastly superior. Even if we used only the Tivo, I'd still have Live Gold because of 1v100 (in which I am not allowed to win anything :( but still fun) and playing rock band with our niece online. We actually subscribed to Netflix purely because it was so easy to stream stuff to the TV.

Anyway, irrespective of where you watch your netflix, this is awesome news for them. The number of new subscribers they got from the XBox introduction was really good for them, and this will also be a big win. Even better if the disc works on other BD players. The more customers they have using the service, the bigger the impetus for them to increase the content selection. I'm all for that. :)

Wow, talk about attacking the messenger instead of the message.

I have that signature in place because the "new media" tends to take anything said by any employee of a company as if it were a press release. Microsoft encourages us to make our affiliation known, so we cannot be accused of deceptively fiddling with perceptions, but also tells us to make it clear that our views are not necessarily the views of the company. Heck, I don't even work in the XBox organization. (I used to work in the HD DVD team :))

Nice way to sidestep my point though, which was that for most people using netflix on the console, the "one latte a month" they spend on Live is an infrastructure cost that they would be spending whether or not they had netflix. It's deceptive to lump it with the netflix cost as if it were the only reason to have it.

I have a Series 3 Tivo and the XBox, and we use the XBox to view netflix because the experience is vastly superior. Even if we used only the Tivo, I'd still have Live Gold because of 1v100 (in which I am not allowed to win anything :( but still fun) and playing rock band with our niece online.

Anyway, irrespective of where you watch your netflix, this is awesome news for them. The number of new subscribers they got from the XBox introduction was really good for them, and this will also be a big win. Even better if the disc works on other BD players. The more customers they have using the service, the bigger the impetus for them to increase the content selection. I'm all for that. :)

I don't know if I agree. Though I suppose it depends on how self-selecting the XBox crowd works out to be (i.e. that those who get it are predisposed to be willing to pay for premium online services). I've never gotten an XBox -- I have virtually every other console including a PS3, Wii, PSP, Nintendo DS, iPhones and iPod Touches, etc. in my household. One of the reasons I didn't like the XBox was the fee for the online services. It just rubs me the wrong way. I'm sure it’s a deal for those who do a ton of online gaming but my family almost never does. As a long-time Netflix user when I heard the XBox was getting Watch Instantly I toyed with getting the entry-level box at the time for $199 but then when I heard I would have to pay $60/year for the XBox subscription I just went with the Roku.

p.s. I expect to finally get an Xbox when the Project Natal stuff is released IF it lives up to the prototype demo hype. Until then, no rush…

What's your example in this topic?

How about the guy using 'PR 101 speak' to manipulate costs? Come on, listing the cost of Live-Gold at $4 a month is something straight out of an MS advertisement. Not to mention the rest of his hyperbole post manipulating irreverent costs in a way designed to confuse and draw attention away from fact that it actually costs an extra upfront fee to stream Netflix on a 360.

I just though of something..........maybe I should be driving a Porsche 911 Turbo, because if I calculate the costs of owning it 10 years, and further break that down to a daily rate, it might sound affordable.

It's PR talk, propaganda, whatever you want to call it. Hey, I work in commercial advertising and will occasionally do some copy-writing; and that post smells to me like it went a little beyond simple consumer loyalty or personal bias.

Oh now the reasoning for the surcharge on bluray disks from Netflicks has become much clearer...


I guess I am in my minority here cuz I would have much rather had Blockbuster streaming on my PS3 then Netflix. Netflix can burn in hell for all I care.

How about the guy using 'PR 101 speak' to manipulate costs? Come on, listing the cost of Live-Gold at $4 a month is something straight out of an MS advertisement. Not to mention the rest of his hyperbole post manipulating irreverent costs in a way designed to confuse and draw attention away from fact that it actually costs an extra upfront fee to stream Netflix on a 360.

Sorry, but I am confused by this. Live-Gold is $49.99/year, which is $4.16/month. Ok, so he exaggerated by 16 cents/month. Is that what you're upset about? :confused:

And that of course is if you're stupid and don't buy the 12+1 card (13 months), which makes the cost $3.84/month. And that's if you buy "at MSRP" and don't take advantage of one of the other deals that pop up every month or so (I just got a 13 month card for $29.99, which equates to $2.50/month).

I will not address the "extra upfront fee" because it's been beat to death.

Anyways, back on topic, does anyone know when the disc will ship, besides "later this year"?

The reason why I think XBL's fee is excessive is not because its $50 - I can afford $50. I just don't think you're getting a whole lot for your money.

Now, remember, most of the features on Xbox Live are open to Silver (free) members. So you're not paying for party chat, or avatars, or Live Arcade, or cross game chat, or any of that.

The big thing you get for the $50 is obviously, online gaming. But really all you're paying is matchmaking, becaue once you get in the game it's (99 times out of 100) peer-to-peer. MS could not convince me in a million years that they need to charge me $50 a year to match me up with people. Or $25. Or $10. Or $1. Or 1 cent.

Now, when the Xbox launched, I can see that. But by now, the service has gazillions of users and there are tons of ads and promotions. Couldn't they at least turn off the ads for Gold users by now?

Pretty amusing response from MS.....

From G4TV

Starting next month, Netflix streaming is coming to PlayStation 3. It requires popping in a disc (for now, at least), but it's no longer a feature exclusive to Xbox 360. Microsoft has issued an official response to the news, which was just passed along to me via e-mail.

"When it comes to total entertainment experiences and value, Xbox 360 is always leading the charge. The only place to watch Netflix movies with friends anywhere in the U.S. is still on Xbox 360. On top of that, Xbox 360 is just weeks away from becoming the first console to deliver Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm, and a library of movie titles available in instant-on HD in 1080p with 5.1 surround sound from Zune video. Xbox 360 continues to break new ground in entertainment for people who want to share the best movies, music, games, and social networking experiences with their friends and family—whether they’re in the same room or on opposite sides of the country."

But I've noticed a common thread among responses to Netflix streaming coming to PlayStation 3: there are a number of people who find Xbox Live's Gold membership worth the price of admission because of Netflix. With Netflix streaming coming at no additional charge on PlayStation 3, could this prompt a change in policy from Microsoft? Could Xbox Live Silver members get access?

That doesn't seem to be the case, based on a statement Microsoft released to me.

"The Netflix experience on Xbox LIVE is unique and reflects our commitment for social entertainment," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "We believe we offer an experience today that is a generation ahead of what others are offering. For a little over $4 a month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is hands-down the best value in home entertainment, and gives you exclusive access multi-player gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, '1 vs 100.'"


Funny how, thanks to PS3's browser, Facebook and Twitter is available without a fee to all PS3 users.

How about the guy using 'PR 101 speak' to manipulate costs? Come on, listing the cost of Live-Gold at $4 a month is something straight out of an MS advertisement. Not to mention the rest of his hyperbole post manipulating irreverent costs in a way designed to confuse and draw attention away from fact that it actually costs an extra upfront fee to stream Netflix on a 360.

I just though of something..........maybe I should be driving a Porsche 911 Turbo, because if I calculate the costs of owning it 10 years, and further break that down to a daily rate, it might sound affordable.

It's PR talk, propaganda, whatever you want to call it. Hey, I work in commercial advertising and will occasionally do some copy-writing; and that post smells to me like it went a little beyond simple consumer loyalty or personal bias.PR101 speak? I'm flattered. I never thought I'd be accused of people manipulation skills with my CompSci and Physics degree. :)

I was breaking it down into monthly costs because that's what people were using for the netflix amount. Everyone always talks about $50 a year, or $60 a year (No idea where they get this from) for XBL gold. I don't see them using $108 a year for netflix, or $156 a year for Sirius Radio. All of these companies have yearly and monthly rates, and yet with XBL it's always the yearly one people use, because it sounds more than $4 a month (or the $7.99 a month you pay if you choose the monthly option - but who would?). I broke the other costs I quoted down by the average number of years I expected to get service out of them. Sorry if that was too confusing for you.

And when I buy a car, I _do_ calculate the costs over 10 years, since that is how long I keep a car in general before buying a new one.

See, I earn money monthly, I don't get a single payout once a year, so for me, it's very useful to know how much I need to save over the lifetime of my TV or Car so that when it's busted I can afford a new one.

I do wish that it didn't require the use of the BluRay disc. Unlike some, I don't think they did it to get around an exclusivity contract...I think they did it because Netflix intends to roll it to every BD-Live enabled player they can and the PS3 just happens to benefit from that. I hope they eventually come up with a XMB version, instead. Otherwise I may find the occasional use for it, but I'll probably stick with the 360 implementation for now.

It's nice the PS3 is finally getting the service, though.

It is. They've already said it's the method they're using to get it to the PS3 ASAP while they work on an XMB option.

Wouldn't say if that was due to MS's timed exclusive or not, but no matter. It's happening eventually.

Discs are also free giveaway, and they don't want them mailed back... so it doesn't impact your queue at all. Not a bad method to get it up and running on the PS3 before Xmas.


Anyways can you xbots please disperse and can we get back on topic. MS failed you again, get over it, and create a topic in your own damn forum about the fallout. I know you're your patiently waiting for MW2 and are in a lul, but back, back!

How can you guise say xbox live is expensive

it is only .005 cents an hour!!

Get a job lol

How can you guise say xbox live is expensive

it is only .005 cents an hour!!

Get a job lol

XBOT

:mad:

"We believe we offer an experience today that is a generation ahead of what others are offering. For a little over $4 a month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is hands-down the best value in home entertainment, and gives you exclusive access multi-player gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, '1 vs 100.'"
LOL at facebook and twitter...;)

I'll take the PS3's next generation storage media that support movies in 1080p, lossless audio, and BDlive features. And cinematic games like Uncharted 2 that require more space than what last generations storage media could offer.

But thats just me...;)

I can use Facebook and Twitter and Last.fm for free on my computer. I don't know why MS thinks giving us access to it on XBL makes it worth paying for XBL.

I can use Facebook and Twitter and Last.fm for free on my computer. I don't know why MS thinks giving us access to it on XBL makes it worth paying for XBL.
I cant figure that one out either. Its just a talking point I guess "oh look you can twitter with xbl"

xbl is still expensive compared to psn. and it doesnt even offer any superior worthy features in return. nothing that we wont get in the near future anyways.

im buying an xbox and paying monthly fees just so i can use twitter n facebook.

Boy the people most upset about the cost of Xbox live Gold seem to be on the AVS Playstation board. This explains why therapy is a growth industry!

Funny how, thanks to PS3's browser, Facebook and Twitter is available without a fee to all PS3 users.

Good point, I never used the browser. Now that you mention it I thought it was cool that Xbox is getting Facebook and Twitter meanwhile the PS3 did it all along.

Does the XBL Twitter/Last.fm thing work in the background? For instance, can you be listening to Last.fm as a custom soundtrack while gaming? Or just hit the guide button in the middle of the game and post a tweet? Or are they sort of like stand-alone apps? I think they are neat features if you can use them in-game.

Good point, I never used the browser. Now that you mention it I thought it was cool that Xbox is getting Facebook and Twitter meanwhile the PS3 did it all along.

It also does Last.fm and Pandora. And Youtube.

Can someone explain to me the Xbox online movie party thing? Is it just chatting via headset while watching a movie?

I don't see the appeal.

BTW it's nice to see some real competition among these companies as opposed to the previous posturing. First prices, now features: it's like they actually want money now.

Boy the people most upset about the cost of Xbox live Gold seem to be on the AVS Playstation board. This explains why therapy is a growth industry!

Yes, we're all very upset. It's keeping us up at night. It couldn't possibly be that it's a relevant expense related to the topic at hand.

Nice, balanced contribution as usual, Frank.

only thing that worries me, is that because of this disc and streaming through BD-live, there is maybe an opportunity for hackers to hack the ps3.

and microsofts statement is really absurd. i wonder how many people are stupid enough to believe the points they bring up is a valid reason to charge 50 usa dollars a year. it is like fighting with straws.

only reason i pay 50 dollars a year for gold is that i can multiplayer with my friends, since there is no other option.

but facebook,twitter, radio FM or whatever it is called are never my priorities for paying 50 bucks a year lol. if i want to use those i use a pc.

Boy the people most upset about the cost of Xbox live Gold seem to be on the AVS Playstation board. This explains why therapy is a growth industry!

Kind of like the people who are concerned with how much "better" XBL is than PSN are all in the AVS Xbox board? Why don't you go nag them?

Does the XBL Twitter/Last.fm thing work in the background? For instance, can you be listening to Last.fm as a custom soundtrack while gaming? Or just hit the guide button in the middle of the game and post a tweet? Or are they sort of like stand-alone apps? I think they are neat features if you can use them in-game.


Fairly certain they are all stand-alone apps. As in, why not just use them on your computer instead? Last.fm would have been cool if it was integrated, but I really hope there is a way to delete the apps off the dashboard. I don't need Facebook and Twitter cluttering up an already cluttered mess.

This PS3 Netflix announcement has me thinking about getting rid of my 360, and getting another PS3 for the bedroom. My $50 Live membership is up in a month or two, my 360 doesn't have wireless to be able to stream to the bedroom, and with the exception of friends that I play online with, there really isn't much of a reason to keep supporting it.

Can someone explain to me the Xbox online movie party thing? Is it just chatting via headset while watching a movie?

I don't see the appeal.

What, don't want to have your own MST3000?

:D

D3, should be no issue. It no worse then any other BDLive application. As said, it's also just a temp solution.

Sadly I don't have Netflix, but my parents do, and don't use their streaming option. Think I'm gonna have to check this out.

No limits on streams, correct?

only reason i pay 50 dollars a year for gold is that i can multiplayer with my friends, since there is no other option.

This is all you have been paying for and what everyone has been paying for since 2002 is just the ability to play multiplayer online before the PS2 offered online.

but facebook,twitter, radio FM or whatever it is called are never my priorities for paying 50 bucks a year lol. if i want to use those i use a pc.

Your not paying 50 bucks for this. No one is. You already pointed out why and what you are paying for. It has been 7 years and yet the cost of Live hasn't changed since it was implemented which is why I don't understand why anyone is complaining about anything being added to the service. The cost didn't go up because of this update just like the cost didn't go up when the 360 came out with a new interface. So why the complaint of having the "option" to use the features that are not required and wasn't the original reason why you signed up for Live in the first place? No one with a 360 got hit with a charge for all the updates it has recieved.

Netflix is now offered on the PS3. It has been offered through Blu-Ray players, PCs, and the 360. I would have thought at least the discussion would be about how Blockbuster has basically lost against Netflix with what everyone was talking having the option between the services. Wasn't it just a few months ago when Netflix started charging extra for the Blu-Ray disc and all the complaints of leaving Netflix?

Sorry for the long response but I read through all of the comments and don't get why this is a bad thing or a concern when the fact is $50 for Live is for multiplayer and the rest is simply extra features that Gold members get with the service and isn't a requirement to use.

For me I now have the option to use the PS3 or 360 just like someone who has the same option with a 360 or Blu-Ray player with Netflix capability because regardless you are paying for the service through Netflix and you just simply have more options to use the service. This really shouldn't have been any debate whatsoever. If you are a PS3 only user you still have the "option" to use the service officially through the system vs the alternative.

Ending this with a good morning everyone

Can someone explain to me the Xbox online movie party thing? Is it just chatting via headset while watching a movie?

I don't see the appeal.


Yes, what is this feature?

I spent good money on a TV so I *don’t* have to listen to people talking through the movie at a local multi-plex. Why would I want to recreate this at home?

-Suntan

No limits on streams, correct?

No limits. It's a great service. If it wasn't for sports, I'd cancel my cable.

Yes, what is this feature?

I spent good money on a TV so I *don’t* have to listen to people talking through the movie at a local multi-plex. Why would I want to recreate this at home?

-Suntan

It's exactly what you think it would be. Sitting on your couch with a headset on while you and your friends watch the same movie online. Yeah, ridiculous.

Fairly certain they are all stand-alone apps. As in, why not just use them on your computer instead? Last.fm would have been cool if it was integrated, but I really hope there is a way to delete the apps off the dashboard. I don't need Facebook and Twitter cluttering up an already cluttered mess.

This PS3 Netflix announcement has me thinking about getting rid of my 360, and getting another PS3 for the bedroom. My $50 Live membership is up in a month or two, my 360 doesn't have wireless to be able to stream to the bedroom, and with the exception of friends that I play online with, there really isn't much of a reason to keep supporting it.

When you get the update for the "option" to use the features you won't have to delete anything. You just said it would be cool with Last.FM intergrated which I agree and provided my feedback with this very request.
I dont know why you have a concern with Facebook or Twitter cluttering up the dashboard. After getting the update you then have to actually go to the page to install a few megs onto your system in order to delete it. So as long as you don't go to the pages for any of the features you have nothing to delete. You access it just like you would access the page for Netflix if you decided to use it. It isn't forced for you too.

Fairly certain they are all stand-alone apps. As in, why not just use them on your computer instead? Last.fm would have been cool if it was integrated, but I really hope there is a way to delete the apps off the dashboard. I don't need Facebook and Twitter cluttering up an already cluttered mess.

Yes, they are standalone apps for the most part. Twitter is pretty much useless as-is unless you just want to check it quickly. Supposedly the Facebook "integration" (so to speak) will post achievements and eventually screenshots to your account, but I believe (not certain) that only certain games will support screenshots. If memory serves, Tiger Woods was used in the press releases, but I'm not 100% sure about that.

I have not gotten an achievement since the upgrade, so I don't know if they actually post to FB or not. I don't really care about that, but the ability to post screenshots would be nice (I would love that feature for Rock Band alone), but alas, it's not there, at least for now. Viewing photo albums on the TV is nice though, but certainly nothing to really write home about. Come to think of it, I haven't tried playing a video from Facebook. I guess I should try that.

Last.fm is nice to be able to play back through my setup (rather than computer speakers) so I'll be using that in place of streaming my mp3s like I was before (primarily for background music as I'm doing other things around the house). I have no desire to listen to music in the background of games as I usually turn off the in-game music anyways (and I don't play racing games where it might actually be worthwhile)

I never tried last.fm through the PS3 browser (in fact, I used the browser once 2 years ago and hated it...maybe they've improved it but honestly don't care that much since I don't/won't use it due to having a laptop handy. I seem to remember it being limited to 4:3 ratio or something along those lines, but haven't checked it out in forever as I don't have a keyboard or anything for it)

Does anyone know when this NF disc will ship? They said "this year" but will it be November/December? I mean, I'm sure it'll be before Christmas, but do we know if we can expect it in a week, 2 weeks, a month?

When you get the update for the "option" to use the features you won't have to delete anything...

That works for me then. None of these features interest me, and I didn't get in on the beta to see the effects, but sounds like I was wrong in assuming they would be adding more pages to the dashboard.


Does anyone know when this NF disc will ship? They said "this year" but will it be November/December? I mean, I'm sure it'll be before Christmas, but do we know if we can expect it in a week, 2 weeks, a month?

They said the disc will be shipping in Novemeber. I don't have a link, but read it last night. They said that the earlier you activate your account, the quicker you'll get a disc. Sounded like first come, first serve.

That works for me then. None of these features interest me, and I didn't get in on the beta to see the effects, but sounds like I was wrong in assuming they would be adding more pages to the dashboard.


It adds a "My Music" (with Last.fm and the Zune store) and a "My Communities" (with FB/Twitter) to the up/down menus, and it also (temporarily, I assume) adds a "What's New" as well.

There's a whole thread on the update in the XBOX section, so we probably shouldn't clog this up. Sorry everyone.

Anyways, I find the PS3's XMB and XBOX's "blades" pretty much the same, except the PS3's are arranged Horizontally and the XBOX's are arranged Vertically. There's a few differences, of course, but for the most part, I feel they are equally cluttered (not in a bad way...I have no problems navigating either as they are both pretty self explanatory if you spend a couple minutes with them). I do wish both were a little more customizable with the ability to remove/hide things.

And I too wish the discussion was more around actually having Netflix. We should be happy PS3 owners are getting Netflix because it's a great service, not because it's another talking point in the childish system wars. The only people who shouldn't be happy about this is Blockbuster.

I will be happy to answer any questions anyone has about quality, speed, playback experience, functionality, features, the player controls, etc. Not that the PS3 experience will necessarily be the same, but I imagine it will be comparable to what I've been using on the XBOX. I am personally excited to try it out on PS3 to see how it compares (will be more excited once they make it a native app without a disc, although I still have to get up to turn on the PS3 anyways (curse you Sony for your lack of an IR port!), so it's not a huge deal). I am at your service to answer questions.

No limits. It's a great service. If it wasn't for sports, I'd cancel my cable.

I'm in this bind too.

Sports, Comedy Central, Adult Swim, NG, DSC, HBO, FX.

Only channels I watch regularly, and am being force to pay $160/mth for the damn package. Might be time to just let it go, there's plenty of sports bars in my area.

But then that presents another costly problem....



Ending this with a good morning everyone

let it go; there's a forum, somewhere, where you can talk about this. fact remains, Live charges you for something that's free with PC's and the PSN because MS has a closed system and can do so. Hopefully the PSN makes them rethink their decision on that, when/if memberships drop, to your eventual benefit.

Kinda like going to the movies..
;)

Can someone explain to me the Xbox online movie party thing? Is it just chatting via headset while watching a movie?

Hopefully the PSN makes them rethink their decision on that, when/if memberships drop, to your eventual benefit.

Whatever man. If anything it has been Live that has had Sony rethink some of its decisions and added features they didn't think of. At the end of the day I am a dual owner with the option to use the features on both systems.

Undoubtedly PSN has greatly improved thanks to Live.

But it goes both ways. I think the fact that Sony has added so many features to PSN and enabled it for free has forced MS to add features so that it's still worth the premium.

Already IMO Sony has MS beat on multiplayer gaming (because more games use servers rather than P2P), they will have Netflix soon, and if the Naughty Dog talk on cross game chat is true... well then what does MS have left? Twitter and Facebook? Surely not. I don't see how MS can keep charging as Sony adds all these features. And that's a good thing. I can pay $50, but I'd rather pay $0.

Undoubtedly PSN has greatly improved thanks to Live.

But it goes both ways. I think the fact that Sony has added so many features to PSN and enabled it for free has forced MS to add features so that it's still worth the premium.

Already IMO Sony has MS beat on multiplayer gaming (because more games use servers rather than P2P), they will have Netflix soon, and if the Naughty Dog talk on cross game chat is true... well then what does MS have left? Twitter and Facebook? Surely not. I don't see how MS can keep charging as Sony adds all these features. And that's a good thing. I can pay $50, but I'd rather pay $0.

I rather pay $0 also. In the meantime, I have found options to get Live cheaper than $50. I could switch and buy all my multiplatform games if I choose for the PS3. The reason I choose to continue paying is because I game with friends and family who game on the 360 and the features we do use are standard and simply work for all of us. It is those reasons more than anything else as to why I do more multiplayer games on Live than on PSN because of my friends and family being 360/Xbox owners for the last 6 years.

My service works just fine on either system regardless what servers or P2P either system is using. I don't have an everyday problem when I get online to play for either system. I understand people do. I guess I am just not vocal to be concerned as to how I am connected as long as I have a good experience and that has been the case for me on the 360.

The reason I choose to continue paying is because I game with friends and family who game on the 360

When you trap people like this so you can extort money out of them indefinitely for a service that should be free and a majority of them thank you for it you're really in a good position. Maybe they should start charging monthly to access the internet through Windows. Its the same concept, and think of the revenue it would bring in.

Question is.. if microsoft suddenly made XBL completely free, which one would you guys prefer? Which one would be superior then? XBL major negative against it is it's monthly cost, but I happen to feel that even if it was free that the PSN is nearly superior already and certainly will become so in the near future.

When you trap people like this so you can extort money out of them indefinitely for a service that should be free and a majority of them thank you for it you're really in a good position. Maybe they should start charging monthly to access the internet through Windows. Its the same concept, and think of the revenue it would bring in.

I don't know. I chose not to get an Xbox 360 because I didn't need the better online experience they had (PS3 has gotten better since). That said, I don't know why it "should be free." It's not like we have some constitutional right to a free online service on a proprietary network. So since this is MS's party and dime, it only "should be free" if they determine that makes better business sense for their shareholders. And so far that doesn’t seem to be necessary. A lot of people are choosing to buy the XBox despite it being clear from the outset that they will have to pay for the service and they are paying for the service. How can they be "trapped" when they knew they would have to pay and opted-in to begin with? You can't compare it to open Internet access because it is a proprietary network and privately maintained infrastructure. You do pay to access the Internet from your service provider and you are paying to access Microsoft's private network the same way. And even the Internet has plenty of closed networks that people pay a premium to access.

When you trap people like this so you can extort money out of them indefinitely for a service that should be free and a majority of them thank you for it you're really in a good position. Maybe they should start charging monthly to access the internet through Windows. Its the same concept, and think of the revenue it would bring in.

How is anyone trapped? Do you know anyone that is on contract with Live or owning a 360?

Question is.. if microsoft suddenly made XBL completely free, which one would you guys prefer? Which one would be superior then? XBL major negative against it is it's monthly cost, but I happen to feel that even if it was free that the PSN is nearly superior already and certainly will become so in the near future.

What would I use? Probably PSN because I'm used to it and they're pretty much equal at this point.


trapped.


Yes, I say trapped. You wanted HD gaming and Microsoft rushed a defective product to market in an attempt to corner the market and eventually drive the competition out of the market. Early adapters who bought 360s as their sole system to get HD gaming eventually found out they and their friends had bought a broken product but they would receive a 3 year warrenty on it. But after those 3 years, when it inevitably breaks again you're "trapped" because while your friends system will eventually break too, they aren't broken now, and if you want to play with them you have to buy another 360. You effectively can't switch. You are "trapped".

Yes, we're all very upset. It's keeping us up at night. It couldn't possibly be that it's a relevant expense related to the topic at hand.

Nice, balanced contribution as usual, Frank.

How could the price of XBL be at all relevant to Netflix support on the PS3? Netflix is one of many things a competing device gives you access to for a fee. Tivo does something very similiar. BR players and set top boxes have given access to Netflix without any other fees for some time.

It seems there are several people who just cannot talk about their PS3. And by talk about I mean complain and or whine about XBL.

Nice contribution bass!

How could the price of XBL be at all relevant to Netflix support on the PS3? Netflix is one of many things a competing device gives you access to for a fee. Tivo does something very similiar. BR players and set top boxes have given access to Netflix without any other fees for some time.

It seems there are several people who just cannot talk about their PS3. And by talk about I mean complain and or whine about XBL.

Nice contribution bass!

Look, it's really very simple. There have been ads on television touting "Netflix--now available on XBox, but not the competition." Now, there will be commercials for the PS3 touting "PS3--Blu-Ray, built in wireless, Netflix, free online multi-player."

How is it whining to point out obvious strategies in marketing "free vs charging for service" to new buyers of systems? :confused:

Personally, I have considered buying an Xbox since the price drop, partially for the Netflix access. Why spend $100 on a Roku when I could go head and get a 360 for $200? But, now that it's coming to the PS3, and there are so many games coming out for the next couple of months, my need for one is no longer as great.

If I don't own either system, Netflix is off the table when it comes to buying a new console to go with that new HDTV. Buying a Blu-Ray player that also streams Netflix will get another look since the PS3 now offers it. Face it--this is going to matter to people in the market for a HD gaming system/entertainment device for the living room. Hell, the current PS3 marketing campaign is all about how it "does everything." How long until the ads show Netflix on that list? How long until Netflix sends out free Blu-Ray rentals to new PS3 owners for their new system? A larger user base makes it more expensive to get exclusives for the competition, too. It's easy to ignore 3 million PS3 users, but it's harder to ignore 9-12 million for 6 months.


But, you know, continue with the flippant hyperbole about therapy if that works for you.

Yes, I say trapped. You wanted HD gaming and Microsoft rushed a defective product to market in an attempt to corner the market and eventually drive the competition out of the market. Early adapters who bought 360s as their sole system to get HD gaming eventually found out they and their friends had bought a broken product but they would receive a 3 year warrenty on it. But after those 3 years, when it inevitably breaks again you're "trapped" because while your friends system will eventually break too, they aren't broken now, and if you want to play with them you have to buy another 360. You effectively can't switch. You are "trapped".

Why do you care so much about them? Why do you care about MS on whatever they did or are doing now? It still falls down to making a choice.

I choose to make this my hobby.
I choose to take a chance on any product on the market with a bad or good review.
I choose to get a Replacement Plan from Best Buy.
I am aware of what is going on with the products I own.
I myself have not experienced any problems with my systems and I own three 360s which includes a launch Dec 05 model I still use. I own two PS3s 80gig and Slim 120gig for Blu-Ray in the bedroom.
Why is so much of your energy put into a company/product you clearly despise and not into products you actually enjoy?

More to the question, why does the M$ Defense force show here up whenever the PSN gets a new feature, or co-ops a feature they're already paying for, and now is for free?

Someone should put together a master list of threads. it be amusing, or might make you want to kill yourself. Probably both.

Why do you care so much about them? Why do you care about MS on whatever they did or are doing now? It still falls down to making a choice.

I choose to make this my hobby.
I choose to take a chance on any product on the market with a bad or good review.
I choose to get a Replacement Plan from Best Buy.
I am aware of what is going on with the products I own.
I myself have not experienced any problems with my systems and I own three 360s which includes a launch Dec 05 model I still use. I own two PS3s 80gig and Slim 120gig for Blu-Ray in the bedroom.
Why is so much of your energy put into a company/product you clearly despise and not into products you actually enjoy?

Why do you care so much to show up here to defend them? You own the 360, already pay for the multiplayer, have Netflix through them, and now get Netflix through the PS3 that you also own and use. You either have no dogs in this fight, or all of them.

So, why are you here?

More to the question, why does the M$ Defense force show here up whenever the PSN gets a new feature, or co-ops a feature they're already paying for, and now is for free?

Someone should put together a master list of threads. it be amusing, or might make you want to kill yourself. Probably both.


Exactly. It's called Hating.

Why do you care so much about them? Why do you care about MS on whatever they did or are doing now? It still falls down to making a choice.

I choose to make this my hobby.
I choose to take a chance on any product on the market with a bad or good review.
I choose to get a Replacement Plan from Best Buy.
I am aware of what is going on with the products I own.
I myself have not experienced any problems with my systems and I own three 360s which includes a launch Dec 05 model I still use. I own two PS3s 80gig and Slim 120gig for Blu-Ray in the bedroom.
Why is so much of your energy put into a company/product you clearly despise and not into products you actually enjoy?


I don't despise the 360, I own an elite I got for a cut throat price over a year ago because I wanted to play Bioshock and Mass Effect. They have some good games. I don't like the way they do business though. They don't want to compete, they want Sony out of the console market next gen. They want to "Dreamcast" them. I don't like the defective unit brough to market to "beat" the competition. I don't like the patenting of vague concepts like "cross game chat" and "customized soundtracks" which both amount to basically a computer multitasking. Microsoft does not want to win in a competative market by having the best product, they want to drive the competition out of the market so they can guaranteed market share no matter how crappy of a product they put out, like with Windows.

You tell me, what's the difference between them charging to use internet services on XBL and them charging for internet services on Windows? Would you stand for a monthly charge to access the internet through your Windows PC?

Why do you care so much to show up here to defend them? You own the 360, already pay for the multiplayer, have Netflix through them, and now get Netflix through the PS3 that you also own and use. You either have no dogs in this fight, or all of them.

So, why are you here?

I don't see how my post is about defending MS than pointing out the choice of purchasing a product. The reponse was about Rpggamer's comment about being trapped just like no one here is trapped in these threads to comment. We all have a choice to discuss the the topic of the thread or in the case of this thread simply go off topic. Sorry for contributing.

Exactly. It's called Hating.

I'd love to believe that the answer was that simple, but as I said earlier, I think we have some shills here.

I like turtles.

I don't see how my post is about defending MS than pointing out the choice of purchasing a product. The reponse was about Rpggamer's comment about being trapped just like no one here is trapped in these threads to comment. We all have a choice to discuss the the topic of the thread or in the case of this thread simply go off topic. Sorry for contributing.

Hey, I'm not the thread police. You can post about anything you want. Um...except Warhawk, or Hanna Montana. :D

I don't see how my post is about defending MS than pointing out the choice of purchasing a product. The reponse was about Rpggamer's comment about being trapped just like no one here is trapped in these threads to comment. We all have a choice to discuss the the topic of the thread or in the case of this thread simply go off topic. Sorry for contributing.

You made the choice to purchase the product without knowing it was a PoS. If Microsoft had included on the label that they thing would break constantly and you bought it anyway then this arguement would be valid.

And for the record I like mboojigga's comments. He's coherent unlike a lot of people. I just disagree with him. And there can never be any disrespect towards a guy who's fought for my country.

You made the choice to purchase the product without knowing it was a PoS. If Microsoft had included on the label that they thing would break constantly and you bought it anyway then this arguement would be valid.

And for the record I like mboojigga's comments. He's coherent unlike a lot of people. I just disagree with him. And there can never be any disrespect towards a guy who's fought for my country.

That is your opinion along with alot of other people who either never owned the 360 or have experienced their own issues with the system. I have been blessed not to have the issues and prepared myself that if I had RROD or any issue with any of my systems I chose the option to get a replacement plan if ever somthing did come up.

That is your opinion along with alot of other people who either never owned the 360 or have experienced their own issues with the system. I have been blessed not to have the issues and prepared myself that if I had RROD or any issue with any of my systems I chose the option to get a replacement plan if ever somthing did come up.

Not RRoD here either. Brother in law and a couple friends have though. Then again I only played Bioshock, Mass Effect, Lost Odyssey and Sacred 2 on it. Not enough time to have any problem.

It would be easy to avoid all the arguing about who has a bigger unit in their pants if people would just stick to the topic. The topic is Netflix on PS3. There's no reason to compare it to anything or anyone coming on and comparing theirs to the PS3. It's just that simple...yet will never happen. :D

Joystiq interview on the PS3 Netflix inclusion (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/netflix-ps3-disc-must-remain-in-system-until-2010-update/). Looks like they'll be including it in the system late 2010.

I'm interested to know if the disc is a true BD live disc that could be used on any BD Live player, or if it has some PS3 specific stuff, and if so, how did they implement that?

Of course, that's assuming it's actually a BD and not just a PS3 program.

I also read that it would be unique encodes (http://twitter.com/seybold) just for the PS3, not the same encodes they use for the PC and other players. That sounds like what the iPhone did with youtube. I'm wondering if this will give it a quality advantage, or if it will require more bandwidth, or a more stable connection than the adaptive streams on the current devices. Also apparently 5.1 audio (http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?p=2469033#post2469033), which would give it a definate leg up on the competition.

Of the folks who've used Netflix on other devices in the past have you had trouble maintaining the same quality during a movie? I find that the comcast burst mode can sometime provide the bandwidth test in Netflix with unrealistic expectations.

Whoo! First on-topic post in about 3 pages ;)

I have FIOS and never had an issue maintaining quality throughout a movie.

Joystiq interview on the PS3 Netflix inclusion (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/netflix-ps3-disc-must-remain-in-system-until-2010-update/). Looks like they'll be including it in the system late 2010.

I'm interested to know if the disc is a true BD live disc that could be used on any BD Live player, or if it has some PS3 specific stuff, and if so, how did they implement that?

Of course, that's assuming it's actually a BD and not just a PS3 program.

I also read that it would be unique encodes (http://twitter.com/seybold) just for the PS3, not the same encodes they use for the PC and other players. That sounds like what the iPhone did with youtube. I'm wondering if this will give it a quality advantage, or if it will require more bandwidth, or a more stable connection than the adaptive streams on the current devices. Also apparently 5.1 audio (http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?p=2469033#post2469033), which would give it a definate leg up on the competition.

Of the folks who've used Netflix on other devices in the past have you had trouble maintaining the same quality during a movie? I find that the comcast burst mode can sometime provide the bandwidth test in Netflix with unrealistic expectations.

Whoo! First on-topic post in about 3 pages ;)

I would ignore the comment about it being 5.1. There is no difference between the PS3 and 360 offerings.

It would be easy to avoid all the arguing about who has a bigger unit in their pants if people would just stick to the topic. The topic is Netflix on PS3. There's no reason to compare it to anything or anyone coming on and comparing theirs to the PS3. It's just that simple...yet will never happen. :D

For the record, mine's gigantic.

I also read that it would be unique encodes (http://twitter.com/seybold) just for the PS3, not the same encodes they use for the PC and other players. That sounds like what the iPhone did with youtube. I'm wondering if this will give it a quality advantage, or if it will require more bandwidth, or a more stable connection than the adaptive streams on the current devices. Also apparently 5.1 audio (http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?p=2469033#post2469033), which would give it a definate leg up on the competition.

Of the folks who've used Netflix on other devices in the past have you had trouble maintaining the same quality during a movie? I find that the comcast burst mode can sometime provide the bandwidth test in Netflix with unrealistic expectations.

Whoo! First on-topic post in about 3 pages ;)

I don't know about the encodes, but it's not going to be 5.1 sound, since it's been reported everywhere that it's the same as everywhere else. I suspect those links are wishful thinking. I do know there are different encodes available and as of the last update, the XBOX was using the best ones (whatever that is), so I assume the PS3 will use the same.

I have Comcast (6-8 down depending on the day) and other than a few whacky instances when it first came out, I have never had trouble maintaining the highest quality stream (4 bars or HD, depending on the title). Once in a great while (like once a month maybe) it will dip down a bar, but then pop back up shortly. I should note that other than my wife playing on Facebook, I usually don't have much else going on bandwidth-wise.

I just read an interesting thought on another forum. Could Sony conceivably force Netflix to only make Sony movies available to PS3 Netflix users? Hell, maybe they used the threat of pulling their movies to force Netflix to break their exclusivity with Microsoft.

I doubt they will even if they can, they don't seem willing to play the same hardball Microsoft does.

I just read an interesting thought on another forum. Could Sony conceivably force Netflix to only make Sony movies available to PS3 Netflix users? Hell, maybe they used the threat of pulling their movies to force Netflix to break their exclusivity with Microsoft.


Not without severely damaging public opinion. Besides, if they could, they had that option when Netflix was on the 360 and didn't do it.

Not without severely damaging public opinion. Besides, if they could, they had that option when Netflix was on the 360 and didn't do it.

I don't see how it would really hurt their public image. They own a lot of movies and the only people who would be inconvenienced are people who have 360s but don't have PS3s. Why would Sony feel bad about inconveniencing their competitor's customers? Plus it would give a major reason for people to buy a PS3 instead of a Xbox 360 if they were thinking about one or the other or if their Xbox 360 RRoD outside of the 3 years. It would be hardball, Microsoft always plays hardball and nothing happens to them. And they play hardball with their own customers by removing functionality of third party drives and memory sticks.

I don't see how it would really hurt their public image.

Really?

Really?

Really. Does it hurt Microsoft's public image when the remove functionality for 3rd party drives and charge 3 times market price for their drives? No. That's business. Sony movies not available on the Xbox 360? That's business. Sony made those movies, last time I checked Halo 3 doesn't work in my PS3.

Really?

Apparently they forgot the sh*tstorm that came down when it came to XBOX last year and there were a handful of Sony movies not available for like 3 days and everyone assumed they had pulled the exact thing.

They own a lot of movies and the only people who would be inconvenienced are people who have 360s but don't have PS3s.

Well, it would be inconveniencing everyone except PS3 owners, unless you are talking Sony specifically banning the XBOX but not the other dozen(?) or more devices that stream Netflix. Or maybe they'd ban them on everyone but the PS3 and Sony Blu-Ray players and Vaio Laptops. Seriously, does anyone think that's a good idea? Anyone?

Netflix wouldn't be too happy about it either since they want to offer their entire library on all devices, not just specific studios to specific devices.

I don't think it would ever happen. Everyone (especially here and in the XBOX forum) seem to think Sony and MS are bitter enemies, when they really aren't. I am running Windows on my Sony laptop right now.

Yes, there are areas they compete in, but just as many where they partner with each other and neither company probably wants to strongarm the other that much (Sony can ban their movies on Netflix, MS can ban Windows on Sony Laptops, etc). It just won't happen IMO.

Yes, there are areas they compete in, but just as many where they partner with each other and neither company probably wants to strongarm the other that much (Sony can ban their movies on Netflix, MS can ban Windows on Sony Laptops, etc). It just won't happen IMO.

It'd be kind of hard to ban Windows on Sony Laptops. Sony telling Netflix they can't distribute Sony films through Xbox 360s anymore would be fairly simple. But you're right, it would probably never happen. I'm just saying if they did, people would whine, but nothing would happen. Microsoft would do it in a second.

It'd be kind of hard to ban Windows on Sony Laptops. Sony telling Netflix they can't distribute Sony films through Xbox 360s anymore would be fairly simple. But you're right, it would probably never happen. I'm just saying if they did, people would whine, but nothing would happen. Microsoft would do it in a second.

Yeah, it was just an example. And Sony plays hardball too **cough Blu-Ray vs HD DVD cough** Although it wasn't just Sony studios picking sides there but there was a lot of hardball going on, so don't act like Sony is all hugs and kisses either. They're companies in the business of making money, and they're both good at it, and I don't fault either for being "businesses"

That's all Netflix would need...a "format" war where Sony only wants their titles being streamed to Sony products and Universal only wanting their stuff streaming to Samsung products, etc.

If anything, I'm not sure Netflix would put up with it, as they want to grow their streaming line and not be strong-armed into limiting their customer's choices. Remember, Netflix is not a small company either, and could easily say things like "you either let us stream your stuff to all devices or we won't let it stream to any" although admittedly they probably don't have as much leverage as movie studio has. I'm sure something like that is written into the contracts (some kindof "you agree to let Netflix stream to all capable devices" clause)

*jibber jabber*

:rolleyes:

I'm sure something like that is written into the contracts (some kindof "you agree to let Netflix stream to all capable devices" clause)

Probably.

:rolleyes:

Are you a Browns fan? Because if you are, I'll refrain from retorting out of pity.

sweet thread. a good reminder of why I don't browse the gaming forums much anymore.

I would ignore the comment about it being 5.1. There is no difference between the PS3 and 360 offerings.Well, the "unique encodes" comment comes from the SOE director of social media, and the 5.1 comment comes from an insider dude I dealt with a number of times during the BD/HD DVD era, and while he's certainly full of himself, his information was usually pretty accurate where Sony stuff was concerned. I wouldn't rule either of those two out just out of hand.

Personally I hope it's _not_ true, since it would be bad for my preferred format, but I was just reporting what I'd read :)

I dont like disc idea though

sweet thread. a good reminder of why I don't browse the gaming forums much anymore.

No loss there. :D

[QUOTE=rpggamer;17427797


Yes, I say trapped. You wanted HD gaming and Microsoft rushed a defective product to market in an attempt to corner the market and eventually drive the competition out of the market. Early adapters who bought 360s as their sole system to get HD gaming eventually found out they and their friends had bought a broken product but they would receive a 3 year warrenty on it. But after those 3 years, when it inevitably breaks again you're "trapped" because while your friends system will eventually break too, they aren't broken now, and if you want to play with them you have to buy another 360. You effectively can't switch. You are "trapped".[/QUOTE]

Are these people trapped as well? http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=992845

I guess it wouldn't be possible to switch to another system huh? I guess I'm trapped to...except that I have a PS3 80 G that I baby because I don't have a three year extended warranty on.

Movie studios can't stop rental companies from distributing their content. A few studios tried that with redbox and failed.

Movie studios can't stop rental companies from distributing their content. A few studios tried that with redbox and failed.

Yeah, but as we all know, the rules are different with streamed online media vs. physical discs. Otherwise, Netflix would probably have 90%+ of their DVD library available online now. Everyone wants to get their cut, and securing movie distribution rights is unbelievably complicated.

Regardless, Netflix is a welcome addition to PS3. I don't have a 360 and I'd rather not hook up my laptop every time I want to do Netflix.

Movie studios can't stop rental companies from distributing their content. A few studios tried that with redbox and failed.

Well, currently Redbox is still in lawsuits over it. They just are not able to get the discs from directly like Blockbuster and Netflix do. Right now Redbox employees are going to Target/Walmart to buy the discs (from those studios) to stock the machines with.

Here's a recent interview: http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/26/dvds-mitch-lowe-business-entertainment-redbox.html

Do you offer the studios revenue sharing if they work with you?
Yes and copy depth, which means there is a minimum number of DVDs we will buy. Also, we only sell used copies of movies from studios that don't work with us. We destroy old copies from our partner studios.

And you're buying movies at retail from three studios right now?
We have a huge workforce out there acquiring product. We've perfected our methods with Universal titles so that by Friday we have machines that are fully stocked.

Isn't that kind of inefficient?
It is. We'd rather be paying the studios. We just want the same deal Blockbuster gets. We're prepared to continue doing this as long as it takes. We have the ability to open one kiosk per hour. The only way the studios can stop us is if they don't stock stores like Target and Wal-Mart.


So they are just buying them from retail for $12-15 and probably getting their money back in 3-4 weeks of rentals, and the studio sees nothing but 1 sale instead of a cut of the rentals (and the discs enter the used market instead of being destroyed).

**tugs on suspenders** Now I'm no 'big city' businessman, but it doesn't seem to make a whole lotta sense to little ol' me.

I like the part about them reselling copies of movies from studios that don't want to play ball, but shredding the ones from partners...

Too bad Redbox didn't stock blu rays for $2 a night.

-Suntan

I like the part about them reselling copies of movies from studios that don't want to play ball, but shredding the ones from partners...

Too bad Redbox didn't stock blu rays for $2 a night.

-Suntan

Shredding them makes sense...keeps the studios that are playing ball a little happier knowing there won't be hundreds of discs entering the used market after a couple months.

And they are putting Blu-Rays out there in some markets. In fact, I got a few Blu-Rays from Redbox months ago (and they were still $1). That was probably way back in March, but then kindof quit using the service due to Netflix and the Watch Instantly stuff. I should swing by the Walmart where I got them to see if they are still stocking them in that one or not.

From that same interview I link to above:

What will you do when movie distribution moves to the Internet?
We survey our customers all the time to find out what they want. They're telling us they want more stuff like Blu-ray, catalog films and digital downloads. We are testing Blu-ray discs at different price points. In two markets we're testing games.


The "games" comment is interesting. Wonder what the deal is on those? A week for $5?

Yep, my Red Box has Blu rays for $1 although a very limited selection.

Hmmm… I’ll have to look at the Redbox boxes at the grocery store and out front of the McDonalds. Last time I looked I saw nothing of blu rays.

Netflix is my main source, but every once in a while I stop at Holleywood where they have 6 copies of movies like Sex in the City on blu ray and the one or two copies of the movie I want are out… and they want $6 for the rental.

-Suntan

Shipping already....?

http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/10/tipster-netflix-already-shipping-ps3-streaming-discs.html

Shipping already....?

http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/10/tipster-netflix-already-shipping-ps3-streaming-discs.html

Sweet! I can't wait!

I'm pretty excited to try this out, as I've found PlayOn to be a bit unreliable (For Netflix only). I sometimes have to restart it 4 or 5 times to get a movie to play without giving me a 'corrupted' error.

Shipping already....?

http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/10/tipster-netflix-already-shipping-ps3-streaming-discs.htmlThat would be awesome news...I just read up on this yesterday. There was so many rumors that it could never come to the PS3 that I stopped reading these threads. Glad I jumped in one yesterday and read about the discs.

I'm pretty excited to try this out, as I've found PlayOn to be a bit unreliable (For Netflix only). I sometimes have to restart it 4 or 5 times to get a movie to play without giving me a 'corrupted' error.

Netflix PQ has been horrendously unwatchable via PlayOn for the past month (in spite of numerous troubleshooting efforts with PlayOn support), though Hulu and Youtube is fine. I'm stoked this is shipping!

they r not shipping right now though

they r not shipping right now though

But, they'll ship next week, apparently.

But, they'll ship next week, apparently.

it just said they will let u know via e mail

I have to wonder how many people requested the disc...I did early on Tuesday but it seems they were being offered sometime on Monday.

Not that CSRs always do/do not have the most up to date information, but just called and asked. She laughed like she had heard the question all day, and said they hadn't been told a date except that it would be before the end of the year...

*Cant believe I just lost 45 minutes of my life reading the garbage in the last 3 pages*

So...If I am happy about the quality (not the quantity) of movies streamed via playon, this announcements means nothing to me? The disk will NOT provide 5.1 sound and should play exactly like it does thru playon right?

Good news for some. I've recently got playon to play nice so Im happy.

*Cant believe I just lost 45 minutes of my life reading the garbage in the last 3 pages*

So...If I am happy about the quality (not the quantity) of movies streamed via playon, this announcements means nothing to me? The disk will NOT provide 5.1 sound and should play exactly like it does thru playon right?

Good news for some. I've recently got playon to play nice so Im happy.

My post from another thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=17433061

Yes. I used Playon for Netflix as well (until it came natively for the XBOX). The PS3 should use different/better encodes than PlayOn (VC1/AP streams, same as XBOX, Roku, TiVo, LG, Samsung), as well as you will get the HD option, which you don't with PlayOn.

Not to mention the playback experience is tons better (assuming the PS3's player is similar in functionality to the XBOX's). What I mean is, you get FF, Rewind, Resume, Queue Management (able to add titles to queue, remove them, rate titles), all of which PlayOn doesn't have....or didn't, since I haven't tried Netflix on PlayOn since the XBOX update came out.

I still use Playon for Hulu and other stuff, but haven't tried Netflix on it for a long time.

Anyways, I think it's a safe bet that the PS3 playback experience will be all around better than PlayOn. No comparison really.


My point is (again, assuming the PS3's player will be the same as XBOX's), there is no reason to use PlayOn over the native player. The disc is free, and you already have a Netflix account, and the whole experience will/should be better.

Do Netflix stream Dolby Digital sound?

Do Netflix stream Dolby Digital sound?

No.

Thanks ballen420.
How is PQ when streaming Netflix? Or is PQ not a factor when streaming? If so, which device (PS3, Xbox, Samsung, LG, Roku, etc..) would be better? Sorry for the noob questions.

In terms of PQ, it's more content availability and connection quality then the device you are using it on. There are quite a few HD offerings, but if your connection can't support them, you'll stream the SD content instead. I find the PQ to be surprisingly good.

Now in terms of accessing the content, I think this is where the players would come into play. I can only speak for the 360, in which the interface is nice, but the lack of a search feature hurts it a bit. You are able to browse through about a 100 movies per genre, along with your personal queue, which you setup and maintain on the Netflix site (I believe you can also add to queue while browsing through the interface too).

Hope that helps.

*Cant believe I just lost 45 minutes of my life reading the garbage in the last 3 pages*



I can't believe it would take a person 45 minutes to read 3 pages of posts. :confused:

-Suntan

*Cant believe I just lost 45 minutes of my life reading the garbage in the last 3 pages*

So...If I am happy about the quality (not the quantity) of movies streamed via playon, this announcements means nothing to me? The disk will NOT provide 5.1 sound and should play exactly like it does thru playon right?


PCs do not receive the 720p HD streams from Netflix. So playon won't ever get the best quality video to transcode for your PS3.

This new disk should receive the 720p HD streams.

If you are happy with the quality that you are getting from playon, it is probably simply because you have never seen the HD streams. Not all of the HD streams are identical in quality.

Legend of the Seeker on Netflix streaming has some of the best quality streaming video I have seen, and is a good show. Check it out once you get the disc and compare it to PlayOn. I think you will see a remarkable difference.

I will say that using PlayOn through the PS3 has given me some mixed results through Netflix streaming

"Hudsucker Proxy" and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" are blocky and pixelated
"Network" however looks good to me (not HD but better than a SD cable broadcast)

With 3 ten minute coffee breaks..

np

;)

I can't believe it would take a person 45 minutes to read 3 pages of posts. :confused:

-Suntan

I am a slow reader, I reread anything that doesn't make sense. There was a lot to reread in the prior 3 pages.:p

I watched nightmare before xmas last night streamed thru playon. Looked good to me. I will get the disc and compare when it comes out.

the only problem with streaming hd for netflix is they have no real good movies. There all c rated at best

the only problem with streaming hd for netflix is they have no real good movies. There all c rated at best

Is there a list of movies available via stream? I did a quick look and it looks like garbage for the most part.

If you have an account, you can go to "watch instantly" online and browse. Seems to be mostly older movies, some newer but not blockbuster movies and some foreign. Also seems like there is a decent amount of TV shows...

the only problem with streaming hd for netflix is they have no real good movies. There all c rated at best

It is best for TV shows.

Here is the list of shows and movies that stream in HD (close to 500 titles):
http://www.netflix.com/WiHD?lnkctr=hdgenre

Some of the TV shows are available to stream the day after they air, too.

It is much better to stream TV shows than to take up 5 DVD slots and wait for them to ship, send them back, etc...

Here is the list of shows and movies that stream in HD (close to 500 titles):
http://www.netflix.com/WiHD?lnkctr=hdgenre


Just FYI, you can only see that list if you have a Netflix account, are signed on AND you have an HD capable device registered.

I will just say I have never had trouble finding something to watch (currently 55 movies in my Instant Queue, and I'm sure I've watched another 75-100 on top of that), but of course YMMV depending on your tastes in movies. If you're only interested in D&D Hollywood blockbusters you will be disappointed.

Well, has anyone gotten their disc yet?

Is there a list of movies available via stream? I did a quick look and it looks like garbage for the most part.

On the surface, you're more or less correct. I have enough trouble finding something worth watching on netflix, but it's more difficult to find something on their streaming service. The streaming selection is much better than it was 2 years ago when I first had netflix. Now they have, say, last year's new releases and classic movies from hitchcock and others.

Well, has anyone gotten their disc yet?

i reserved mine late sunday night/early monday morning when i heard the news. so i would imagine i'd be one of the 1st to get a disc if they are doing it first come first serve. i havn't seen anything yet.

A lot of NBC shows are available in HD. The quality on my connection (12mb dsl) is comparable to OTA HD broadcast. I have been streaming them using a Samsung bluray player. I can't say I have watched many movies though. I am excited to get it on the ps3 to watch it on my other TV.

Just got an email from Netflix: the disc is on its way! :) Should be in tomorrow! Awesome!

yep just got mine as well. does this mean the service is ready as well for the PS3?

same here

yep, disc shipping. And, since I am about 10 miles away, I hope I get it soon!

The quality on my connection (12mb dsl) is comparable to OTA HD broadcast.

You could have a 100 Mb/s internet connection, and you'll still only get the max bandwidth available for Netflix streams, which is about 2.5-3.5 Mb/s.

:( No email for me.

**presses send/receive often and repeatedly**

Of course, I already am using this on the 360, but am anxious to try out the PS3 as well. Too soon to jump to conclusions, but maybe I'm low on the priority list since I already have a device registered.

Keep pressing send and receive. I just hit mine again and the email popped in with a time stamp of 9:44.

Curious: for those who didn't have an external streaming device enabled on your account already (ie, Roku, 360, BD player, etc.) were you able to access the HD genre in the Instant Watch browse lists once you got the email?

Keep pressing send and receive. I just hit mine again and the email popped in with a time stamp of 9:44.

Curious: for those who didn't have an external streaming device enabled on your account already (ie, Roku, 360, BD player, etc.) were you able to access the HD genre in the Instant Watch browse lists once you got the email?

I'm just guessing, but when you put in the disc and install it, it will probably give you a code that you have to put into Netflix to "activate" your device which will then give you the HD genre.

That's how the rest of the devices work, AFAIK.

Received 12:28 PM EST:

Dear Dennis G,

Your free instant streaming disc for PS3 should arrive by Friday, Nov 06, 2009.

Meanwhile, add TV episodes & movies to your instant Queue now so you're ready to watch instantly when your instant streaming disc arrives.

-Your friends at Netflix