Apr 16 2008

Movies and TV shows coming to PS3?

Could the PS3 be getting Netflix support soon?

Could the PS3 be getting Netflix support soon?

(Credit: CNET)

The PlayStation 3's newest v2.30 firmware just came out yesterday, but Sony isn't show any signs of slowing down its updates for the PS3. In a blog yesterday, Senior Vice President Peter Dille wrote this enticing tidbit:

Many of you have been hearing rumblings about a video service that will allow you to download full-length TV shows and movies via PLAYSTATION Network for North America. While I don't have any new announcements here for the PlayStation Nation, it's already been confirmed that we'll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you've seen or used. Ultimately the goal of the PLAYSTATION Network service will be to break through the overwhelming clutter of digital media to give you the TV, movies, and gaming content you want. More on this very soon...

That sounds pretty promising for PS3 fans, but until we get more information, all we can do is speculate. Just a few months ago, there were plenty of rumors about Netflix coming to the PS3. That would certainly be a great score for the PS3, as many people already have Netflix subscriptions and consumers seem more open to subscription plans for movies than they do for music. Another solid option would be support for Hulu, which offers a bunch of TV shows from Fox and NBC--plus some Universal movies--broken up only by short 15-second ads. This might seem even better to some PS3 owners, mainly because it's 100 percent free. The most likely option is that Sony rolls out its own video service, and that has the biggest potential to be a bust. Sony always seems to be a little quirky with digital media downloads (see: Sony Connect and ATRAC3), and we're betting that a proprietary "Sony Video Store" would be much more expensive than Hulu or Netflix--probably more in line with iTunes pricing.

What do you think? Would you use Netflix on your PS3? Would Hulu be a worthwhile add-on? Or will Sony finally get digital media downloads right on the PS3?

Posted in: Games and gear, Home video
Tags: PS3, Sony
 

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 20 comments (Page 1 of 2)
by cancerman1013 April 16, 2008 10:41 AM PDT
Netflix on PS3, or any set-top device for that matter, would kick ass!
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by shad474 April 16, 2008 11:02 AM PDT
isn't hulu a microsoft/msnbc partnership? might be in the works for the xbox360.
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by hawaiiinsomniac April 16, 2008 12:48 PM PDT
Hmmm... A larger HD + Netflix would definitely make it a must buy on my list. Now if it would only sync with my iPod and iPhone, I'd be in heaven. Wishful thinking.
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by frountdeboeuf April 16, 2008 1:46 PM PDT
I would run out and buy a PS3 right now if they offered Netflix service through the device! I'm crossing my fingers.
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by dolbyx5 April 16, 2008 5:56 PM PDT
Hulu is a Fox and NBC partnership, this sound like it would make tons of sense.
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by noahjwhite April 16, 2008 6:17 PM PDT
Netflix on the PS3 would be awesome. It's a pain to hook up my laptop to watch those streaming movies.
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by chaser7016 April 16, 2008 8:10 PM PDT
Umm hook your PC up to a LCD TV. If you got a desktop I suggest this set up, as you can enjoy Hulu, Joost and others, as well as surf the net from your couch. You can get cheap LCD TVs! http://www.techavid.com <---- not spam just sharing! Cheers
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by HHaller2 April 17, 2008 6:31 AM PDT
Technically speaking, couldn't you use the PS3 web browser to go to hulu and just watch everything there already?
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by MattatQC April 17, 2008 6:56 AM PDT
I agree, Netflix would be the way to go. I hope Sony Execs take note, the iTunes model doesn't work. I would never pay 14 bucks to rent a movie! Though Sony does own 1/4 of the movie studios, so their pricing may be more competitive. I wonder why Netflix and Tivo haven't gotten together yet? Sony and Netflix, makes a lot more sense than Blockbuster and Circuit City. In the next update, I would love to see a real media player, like iTunes. One that is easy to use, and visually appealing. I think HHaller2 is correct, and I am not sure if the Netflix Online player is compatible with the Sony Browser.
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by dbcltc April 17, 2008 7:20 AM PDT
I would use netflix or hulu. i want a cheaper price, subsidized by Sony. Maybe 5 bucks a month for unlimited movies. i bet a ton of people would sign up for that. how much does it cost netflix to give you 48 hours rights to a movie anyways?
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