Netflix For PS3
I received my Netflix streaming discs for PS3 a couple days ago. It went out to the first 100,000 customers that requested it (you can get the disk from http://www.netflix.com/ps3). I had some time to test out the long awaited Netflix on PS3 solution, the instant streaming disk, and the features that are now available to the PS3.
First lets start with the disk itself. It showed up in packaging very similar to any other movie you get from Netflix, which confused me at first because I wasn’t expecting a movie. Though that doesn’t matter one bit, it bothered me because PS3 should have had more branding on the packaging. As for actual functionality of the disk… oh wait, it’s a disk. Why would Playstation not use their PSN to offer a downloadable Netflix interface. The fact that I have to eject a game to watch a streaming movie just doesn’t makes sense to me.
In an interview with Joystiq, when asked why a disc-based application an not streaming access through the PS3 browser, Netflix replied – “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 do this.”
Though it may be the case that it was a fast solution, it seems that it may be because of some type of exclusivity agreement that Netflix currently holds with Microsoft and the Xbox 360. Until they release an update “late next year,” you’ll have to put the disc in every time you want to stream movies.
The disc loads quickly, and the interface is like most Netflix-ready devices. The interface has tabs across the top for Your Instant Queue, Recently Watched, New Arrivals, Genres, and some other Netflix categories, but it feels a little dated. When I hold my joystick or D-Pad to the the left or right, it should scroll. Not on the PS3, you’ll be pressing or flicking the the joystick one movie at a time (annoying). Needless to say, the Xbox interface is better, offering movie sharing and an advanced user interface.
The video quality is good, and comparable to other streaming devices. The PS3 supports HD streaming from Netflix, but be sure to set your display to 720p in the PS3 settings.
Overall, if you have a PS3 and Netflix, this is a pretty descent way to stream movies and it wont cost you anything for the disc. My Xbox and PS3 are in separate rooms, so it is nice to have the option of streaming in two different locations. Though it is limited in some features, and the interface needs some work, I highly recommend getting the FREE disc, just in case you ever need it for any reason.
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