Microsoft and Netflix are not surprisingly celebrating their success now that there are more than one million Microsoft Xbox 360 users are on Xbox Live accessing the streaming Netflix service. Most gamers and analysts have been impressed, but there is one company that has not been pleased with the news.
In an attempt to steal thunder from Microsoft and Netflix, Sony issued a press statement promoting its PlayStation Video Store, which includes faster download speeds, newly released videos in Blu-ray clarity, and the fact that it’s a free service.
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Here is a bullet list — from the press release — that includes some other reasons why the PlayStation service is better than streaming Netflix through the Xbox 360:
Free Access/No Double Fees: Users pay a separate monthly Netflix subscription on top of an annual service fee for Xbox LIVE to access Netflix content, PlayStation Network users have free access to the content they want.
Video Content on the Go: One of the main value propositions of the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service is the ability to transfer standard-definition content from the PS3 system to the PSP system. For one price, consumers can transfer and view certain types of content on multiple devices.
Faster Download Speeds: In a recent experiment by MTV Multiplayer, PlayStation Network was found to be the fastest service for downloading games amongst current consoles, whether through wired or wireless connections.
Quality HD Experiences: PlayStation Network provides HD content reliably without waiting for streaming connections that might not ever be made.
Blu-Ray and Streaming: PlayStation 3’s browser and Flash 9 support allows users to easily stream content and watch videos through internet sites on their TV’s. Users can also download HD blockbuster movies from the PlayStation Store or enjoy Blu-ray movies.
New Movie Releases: The Rocker, Swing Vote, Traitor, Max Payne (Unrated), Step Brothers, Eagle Eye, Mirrors (Unrated), Pride and Glory, Dead Space, RocknRolla, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Resident Evil: Degeneration
Although it’s arguable that people are purchasing the Xbox 360 to stream Netflix content, it’s possible a large number of Xbox Live users decided to create a Netflix account to stream content through the console. The Xbox Live Netflix numbers are also based on "activations", which means that many of the users could just be using the services’ free trial only. Despite customers being forced to pay for Xbox Live, Microsoft has continually said there is a large number of users and they’re pleased with how many Xbox 360 owners are playing games and downloading content online.
As Netflix continues to expand its streaming library for PC and Xbox 360 owners, expect an even higher interest in the streaming service.
13 Comments
- guest
- Posts: 15288
- Posted on: 06 Feb 09 19:50
I'll admit that there are still some kinks in the streaing Netflix service, but I've been quite pleased with the service I've received so far.
thanks for giving us europians sweet FA while the 360 gives the worldwide a film service!!
wouldn't be so bad, but i would be willing to pay for it if they ever decide to bring out a service out over here!
Rentals for PS3 & Xbox 360: BOTH FREE
You DO NOT need Netflix to rent on Live Marketplace.
Both Live Marketplace and PS3 Store are PPV
Buying Movies: You cannot buy movies off Live Marketplace, but can buy movies off of PS3 Store.
Price: $9.99 - $14.99 per Movie.
Nice (hidden) fact: If you delete the content from you're PS3, they only give you 1 FREE re-download. After that, you have to RE-BUY the content. (This includes if you get a new HDD or new PS3 as well.)
Streaming All-You-Can-Watch Content:
ONLY Available on Xbox 360 w/ Netflix.
Cost: $50/year (Live Gold) + $9/month (Netflix)
Now here is an argument: If I rent a movie, I only have it for 24 hours. But, if I watch a movie on Netflix, I have access to it whenever I want. So, below, I will compare prices for BUYING PS3 Movies vs Watching them on Netflix on 360. (I am even including the $50/year for Live Gold, instead of just 1 month of Live Gold which is $7/month)
1 Month, watching 10 Movies on Xbox(1 year gold)/Netflix: $60
1 Month, watching 10 Movies on Xbox(1 month gold)/Netflix: $17
1 Month, buying 10 Movies on PS3 at 9.99/each: $100
Hmmm...what is the better deal here????? NOTE: w/ Netflix, you actually get to watch an UNLIMITED Amount of movies that are available through their Online content.
I won't make the investment though until PS3 reaches it rumored $250-$260 price tag. I am patient
Any thoughts on my above points?
So Netflix opens up ALL of their movies for Xbox streaming, NOT just the ones I can watch at home on my PC? If that is so, then I would agree that it would in fact be a better deal, although in my last post I mentioned I thought PS3 would be the better choice.
I have had Netflix for about 6 months now, and truly like it, but the "Watch Now" collection online is sad, hardly anything worth watching. So I have to watch the mail like a hawk... now, if that would change with X360, it would give PS3 a fight. In the end though, I'm afraid I am just a PS3 fan (although I don't own one) simply because of the potential it has for so many apps and computing power/programs etc.
if you're in the US, then you can use the ps3 movie store. if you're europian, then you can purchase playTV, for watching/recording at the same time, in upscaled ability. (and watch your movies on the toilet, or with wireless anywhere in the world on a PSP)
hardware is more reliable with the ps3, as the 360 can allegedly scratch your disks, and occasionally, you may get a 360 that'll have the Red Ring of Death! all that means is that a peice of solder comes loose inside the machine, and then you send it back to MS, who will send you a replacement.
360 does have more varied game collection, but the PS3 is starting to catch up.
the fact that you can use the PS3's bluray for video playback in 1080p is a bonus too!!
I think you can do the same sort of thing with the 360 as an all in one centre, other than the bluray player, if you go for the elite version. Both Upscale DVD's.
however, i've bought another PS3 as an all in one media centre for my sitting room, as you are thinking about doing yourself, and i'm more than happy!
tried to make this argument as equal as possible, so no FANBOYS from either console, no getting grumpy please, unless its constructive!!
thanks
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