Netflix Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) is expanding availability of its "Watch Instantly" streaming video service to Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE)'s PlayStation 3 gaming console.
The news, announced on the PlayStation 3 blog yesterday, came just a few days after Netflix revised its subscription forecast for the fourth quarter on the company's third-quarter earnings call.
Citing the availability of the streaming service on a new consumer electronics device with a "significant install base," Netflix raised its full-year subscription forecast from a range of 11.6 million to 12 million to a range of 12 million to 12.3 million. Netflix had 11.1 million subscribers by the end of the third quarter.
The introduction of the service on PS3 will happen about a year after Netflix made its streaming capabilities available on Microsoft's Xbox 360 gaming console. But unlike the Microsoft deal, which made the "Watch Instantly" service available through a software upgrade on the Xbox gaming console, PlayStation owners will need an instant-streaming disc to make the service work. Netflix plans to begin distributing the discs next month.
In addition to the PS3 and Xbox 360, Netflix's streaming service is available on broadband-connected CE devices from Sony, LG Electronics Inc. (London: LGLD; Korea: 6657.KS), Samsung, and Vizio. The service is also enabled on Roku Inc. Internet set-top boxes and TiVo Inc. (Nasdaq: TIVO) DVRs.
Greenbone, User Rank: Light Beer 12/5/2012 | 3:53:28 PM
re: Netflix Grabs Another Gaming Console
As netflix gets more momentum, I hope their list of titles improves. I tried the xbox service when it rolled out - but the available titles were very limited - and kind of a disappointing selection - so I cancelled.
If I were able to get at a comprehensive library of indie films - stuff I have to wait for to reach cable (if ever, or never) - or catch only in the theaters - or rent from a local store - or wait for from netflix mail, I'd drop comcast premium service in a heartbeat. The movie selection on Comcast is really pedestrian / limited to major releases and low-grade crap, not much off the beaten path or outside the junk-heap.
Clearly HBO, Showtime are focused on their original series, not getting a deep, quality array of films in their roster.
Time to unbundle the bundles and get what we want when we want it, instantantly!
Ryan Lawler, User Rank: Light Beer 12/5/2012 | 3:53:28 PM
re: Netflix Grabs Another Gaming Console
Just curious how long ago that was... I have Netflix streaming on my Xbox and use it to watch plenty of movies. Then again, a lot of what I watch is digital 'comfort food' -- old movies that I've seen a bunch of times but wouldn't mind watching again.
I will say, though, that the amount of newer content improved with the addition of Starz content. I'm not sure if that stuff was in the library when you were watching it.
Ryan Lawler, User Rank: Light Beer 12/5/2012 | 3:53:28 PM
re: Netflix Grabs Another Gaming Console
Just curious how long ago that was... I have Netflix streaming on my Xbox and use it to watch plenty of movies. Then again, a lot of what I watch is digital 'comfort food' -- old movies that I've seen a bunch of times but wouldn't mind watching again.
I will say, though, that the amount of newer content improved with the addition of Starz content. I'm not sure if that stuff was in the library when you were watching it.
feedfliks, User Rank: Light Beer 12/5/2012 | 3:53:27 PM
re: Netflix Grabs Another Gaming Console
Netflix now has over 17,000 titles. Not the latest and greatest to be sure but they are bound more by studios rather than their own limitations. Over at http://feedfliks.com we have a ton of useful Netflix related trends especially as they relate to IW/Streaming. Check us out
Greenbone, User Rank: Light Beer 12/5/2012 | 3:53:27 PM
re: Netflix Grabs Another Gaming Console
...it was a few weeks after they rolled it out, as I recall, so I expect it has changed since then.
I'm a huge fan of the filmspotting podcast, and many of the movies they review just don't find their way to cable - particularly some of the retrospective or indie stuff.
...and I'm so evolved (lazy) that the thought of waiting a day or two for a DVD in the mail from Netflix is no more tolerable than getting around LA on a moped.
I want ANY movie, ANY time, in HD or blueray - and I'll pay for it.
I guess I should revisit netflix, but I remain unhopeful.
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