Sony Computer Entertainment America and Netflix have announced that they plan to begin streaming thousands of movies and TV episodes from Netflix via the PS3 system this month, at no additional cost to US PS3 owners who are Netflix members. Netflix has reported 11.1 million US subscribers as of September 30, 2009, while the PS3 install base has reached almost 9 million units in the US alone.
“The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows,” stated Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Whether you want to watch content on Blu-ray disc and DVD, download it from the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service, or stream videos instantly from Netflix, the PS3 system is the only solution that offers it all.”
“As instantly watching movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix becomes an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Netflix service, our goal is to rapidly expand the devices that stream to our members,” Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings explained. “As a leading game console and Blu-ray disc player, bringing Netflix to the PS3 system is a real win for both Netflix members and PS3 system owners.”
The partnership between SCEA and Netflix will allow PS3 owners to watch Blu-ray movies, play high-def games, browse the internet, listen to music and download a variety of content from the PlayStation Network. For an initial period Netflix subscribers will be able to watch movies instantly streamed from the Netflix service via the PS3 system, by using a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc, which is being made available to all Netflix members. Netflix members can now reserve a free instant streaming disc which will be delivered to them upon availability.