PS3 owners are about to get more convenient Netflix streaming along with some audio and video performance upgrades.
Sony & Netflix will soon launch a new app to allow streaming on the PS3 without the need for a disc. Additionally, some content will be available in 1080p high definition and surround sound.
"Beginning October 18, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. will be the first consumer electronics device to support 5.1-channel surround sound on movies streamed from Netflix," Netflix announced. They plan on rolling out the capability to other devices in the future, but there is no word on when that might happen.
A blog post on Playstation.com by Netflix VP of Product Development Greg Peters also promised some performance enhancements to the service. “In addition to eliminating the disc, there is a new user interface that brings a much richer and faster browsing experience, content search directly on the device, and dramatic improvements in how fast playback starts,” Peters wrote.
Customers will also experience a new user interface that is supposed to optimize performance for use with PS3 controllers. An auto-complete feature has been included to minimize the need for text-entry when searching through content menus.
Until now, the Xbox 360 was the only console to support Netflix streaming without first requiring users to obtain a special Netflix Streaming Disc. The disc has been a source of frustration for both PS3 and Wii owners who have had to wait due to an exclusivity deal that Microsoft had with Netflix.
Of course, the PS3 now has a nice “one-up” over the Xbox 360 with the addition of Dolby surround sound. It looks like us Xbox 360 and Wii owners are just going to have to wait.
