Movies and TV shows coming to PS3?

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?

[cancerman1013]

Netflix on PS3, or any set-top device for that matter, would kick ass!

[shad474]

isn't hulu a microsoft/msnbc partnership? might be in the works for the xbox360.

[hawaiiinsomniac]

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.

[frountdeboeuf]

I would run out and buy a PS3 right now if they offered Netflix service through the device!
I'm crossing my fingers.

[dolbyx5]

Hulu is a Fox and NBC partnership, this sound like it would make tons of sense.

[noahjwhite]

Netflix on the PS3 would be awesome. It's a pain to hook up my laptop to watch those streaming movies.

[HHaller2]

Technically speaking, couldn't you use the PS3 web browser to go to hulu and just watch everything there already?

[stev-eO]

This is absolutely true and I've used Hulu several times on the PS3. The controls are clunky as is the PS3 browser. A more streamlined browser experience is all it would take to make this experience awsome. The full screen viewing experience is also problematic because the broswer isn't very sophisticated for that kind of thing. Everything I've viewed on the PS3 is a superior viewing experience except Hulu which looks a little better on my PC and I can't get true full screen. But it was great for network TV content with limited commercial interruptions.

Since Hulu is already available I doubt this is the big secret. Netflix or the new Blockbuster service would be terrific, but the current pricing for TV content from the PS Store doesn't give me hope. It would be awsome to get more for less since this is premium gear.

[MattatQC]

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.

[dbcltc]

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?

[brocknation]

O-M-G! I would be thrilled to power-on my PS3 and see a software update for a Netflix service. As an Apple lover who enjoys the playfullness between iPod, Mac, & AppleTV, I believe a Netflix relationship w/ PS3 will blow AppleTV out of the water! I'd consider selling my AppleTV as I don't believe in two devices which performs the same operation. AppleTV's movie rental selection is scarce, but with Netflix + PS3 together that's a perfect marriage!

Side note, did the Sony Exec confirm a video service to see how excited consumers will be? Nice ploy Sony! It's working so get cracking on a Netflix deal.

[callum82]

HULU!!! Easiest of all three to get going and with Sony's support could become even more of a powerhouse of advertising revenue. Really the only reason this wouldn't work is due to corporate fencing, which is actually a huge reason that we might never see this happen. Netflix would be preferable over a Sony run store, but maybe the fact that the PSN Store and other online PS3 content so far has been heavy on the free gives us hope that the same might be the case here.

[yankeesfanX10]

Hulu built in would be and instant hit, and Netflix would be great too.

I will tell you one thing, If hulu was built into the PS3, i'd buy it in a heart beat. I'm on the fence right now as it is.

[planblove]

Oh Sony needs to this IMMEDIATELY. It would make my PS3 the ultimate entertainment hub to my house. Gaming, HD Blu Ray, Internet browser with a connection to my Windows Media Center to whatever is on my PC... and Netlix? Just awesome.

[hameiri]

Netflix would probably be the best bet. But, even though it would be smart for both of them, they probably won't do it. Netfllix wants to sell their box, and Sony likes proprietary content.

Oh well.

[brandonh33]

I love hulu it is so nice but it still needs more content even though it already has almost everything on tv haha.

[thowe21]

Just an upgrade to the PS3's flash support would be a big deal to me right now. Until they do that you can forget about getting any Internet streaming video in the mean time.

[oyunlarr]

oyun 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?

[dszigeti]

And let's keep it going ... Netflix, Hulu ... why not Blockbuster too? I don't know why this is taking so long ... there's a lot of money to be made here ... or lost, if the PS3 can't produce a solution - before all the other guys roll one out.

[ps3fornetflix]

If I might indulge in a little speculuation here: I see 3 possible senarios for the statued video intiative stated by the Sony executive:

1) The best scenario: Sony adds support for the "free" content avaliable on HULU, Fancast, and nentflix, etc via either an updated PS3 browser or direct access from the cross media bar UI. (the best scenario)

2) Sony adds a video service on the PSN that is available with a PSN "Gold" account (10 -15 bucks a month) that allows access to all the full lengh movies available in the Sony Catalog (ok, eventually at least) + TV Shows. Its an "all you can eat" subscription model (not as good as scenario 1, but not bad).

3) Sony follows the model Microsoft is using for the xbox live video martketplace. 6$ rentals, limited content -- nearly every piece of content requires reaching for your credit card. ...all this rebranded in a Sony video store (this is positively the worst scenario and it will fail, as the author of this article has commented).

We will have see...in the meantime, my PS3 is getting antsy for a new update.

[vgfisher]

Netflix on PS3 would even appeal to my mom and my wife! They'd love that! It'd give a lot of guys a good argument to convince their wives to let them buy a PS3. Like me for example!