Netflix "Watch Now" online movie service may be coming to Mac OS X

We previously reported that Netflix's new "Watch Now" service -- on-demand delivery of streaming films over the Internet -- will not initially be compatible with systems running Mac OS X.

The likely reason for the current restriction is that Netflix is using a proprietary DRM (digital rights management) mechanism that installs as an ActiveX component in the Windows version of Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.

We've now received unconfirmed word that a Mac OS X version of the service is in the works, though we're not sure what DRM scheme will be used. Verification from Netflix officials on these plans is pending.

Meanwhile, a number of readers have (unsurprisingly) reported success using the "Watch Now" service on Macs running Windows through Parallels or Boot Camp.

MacFixIt reader Mark writes:

"I did try it with Bootcamp and works just fine (I have WMP 11 and IE7 installed on XP). [...] I can view the movies using MacBook Pro using Boot Camp and my Plasma TV using video out (DVI->RGB) as a second monitor.  So for me, this still works even though there is no OSX version, per se."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Netflix's new online movie service won't work with Macs

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