Skip to Content

New to the Mac? Check out TUAW's Mac 101
AOL Tech

netflix posts

Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)

by Darren Murph posted Nov 6th 2009 at 1:28PM

Aw, suki suki now! Those Netflix instant streaming discs that started floating out to anxious PS3 owners yesterday are obviously splashing down, with YouTube user (and avid Engadget reader) otimus posting up a stellar walkthrough showing everything in action. We've got to admit -- the whole thing looks exceptionally sleek, but given the PS3's multimedia prowess, we didn't really expect anything less. He stated that he didn't notice any stuttering as he sifted through films and mashed play, and that any jitters you see in the video (after the break) can be blamed on the janky TV capture device. So, any others receive their disc today? How's the experience?

[Thanks, Otis]

Update: Our best buds over at Joystiq got some quality hands-on time with this (video is now after the break), so be sure and check it out!

Continue reading Netflix instant streaming demoed on PlayStation 3 (updated with more video!)

Netflix shipping out PS3 instant streaming discs!

by Paul Miller posted Nov 5th 2009 at 5:57PM

It's been a long wait for PS3 users, who had to look on in envy as their Xbox 360 counterparts kicked back and started streaming Netflix as of July last year. Well, the wait is finally over, as PS3 instant streaming discs are being sent out to Netflix users (who've requested them) as we speak. Looks like our friend Jonathan here has a Friday delivery in store for him, while the lazier ones among us hunker down for an XMB software update late next year to let us stream Netflix to the PS3 disc-free, in keeping with the natural order of things.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix streaming purportedly hitting Nintendo's Wii next

by Darren Murph posted Oct 28th 2009 at 5:24PM

Mmhmm. We see precisely where this is going. First came Microsoft's Xbox 360, then came the PlayStation 3. Now, the beast that is Netflix's "Watch Instantly" is coming to Nintendo's Wii... or that's the scuttlebutt, anyway. According to StreamingMedia, an undisclosed source close to the project has confirmed that the Big N is currently testing Netflix streaming on the Wii, and that it'll be rolled out to the public "very soon." Our initial reaction is to think that "very soon" will translate into "before the holidays," though we all know that only time will tell. But hey, when you've been waiting for this to happen since March, patience comes naturally.

Netflix for PlayStation 3 requires a disc, software solution coming late 2010

by Ross Miller posted Oct 26th 2009 at 7:34PM

It can't all be sweet, right? So Netflix is indeed coming to PlayStation 3, but there's a catch, and that is a disc (badly photoshopped into the picture above) will be required for use -- not just for a one-time install, but every time you want to stream. Joystiq shot some questions off to the company, who justified this as being "fastest and easiest way to let PS3 enthusiasts get Netflix on the PS3" and that an embedded software solution through XMB will be coming late next year. It denies this has anything to do with Microsoft's exclusivity agreement, but frankly we're a bit bummed by this perplexing hurdle in convenience. At any rate, be sure to go reserve your disc now if you want to start streaming -- assuming, of course, PlayOn hasn't already satisfied your Netflix needs.

Read - Netflix interview
Read - Disc reservation page (must be logged in to see)

Netflix coming next month to PlayStation 3

by Ross Miller posted Oct 26th 2009 at 8:38AM Breaking News

What a coup. After we've been hearing all along that Xbox 360 had a game console exclusivity to Netflix streaming, Sony just announced it, too, will be joining in on the fun. Timeframe? Sometime next month. Press release after the break.

[Via PlayStation blog]

Continue reading Netflix coming next month to PlayStation 3

Netflix hints at Watch Instantly integration on 'already-popular device'

by Darren Murph posted Oct 24th 2009 at 5:04PM

Microsoft's Xbox 360 may call itself the only console to stream Netflix, but all that could be changing -- and soon. As Netflix continues to pull in new subscribers (and cash flow) like it's no big deal, the company is apparently looking to spread its wings even further by integrating its wildly popular Watch Instantly feature into "a device already owned by a large number of consumers." Naturally, the most fitting candidates for that would be Sony's PlayStation 3 or Nintendo's Wii, though the company has yet to come forward with anything concrete. Just so know you, Netflix credits the Xbox 360's streaming integration as the main reason some 2.4 million customers have signed up since late 2008, so it's more than apparent that it loves the game console. Any bets for when this will go down, or are you just plugging your ears in order to avoid potential disappointment?

[Via Joystiq]

Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 20th 2009 at 10:23PM


Though they've been floating around retail channels for a few weeks, Best Buy and Netflix have finally made official a partnership bringing streaming to the latest Insignia Blu-ray players. The NS-BRDVD3 runs $179, while the NS-WBRDVD edition tosses in WiFi for $20 more, while they won't stream out of the box, a firmware update just made available should add all that Watch Instantly goodness. These two keep the (we'll be nice and call it plain) styling of earlier models, and likely live up to the family reputation of "basic Blu-ray playback at a bargain" reported on the second generation of players. Of course, the BD-P1600 offers more features and a nicer reputation at about the same price, but Reward Zone members may want to think twice, with AVS Forum posters mentioning the NS-BRDVD3 can be had for just $99.99 through the 24th. Decisions, decisions.

Read - Best Buy and Netflix Announce Partnership to Instantly Stream Movies Over the Internet Via Latest Models of Insignia Blu-ray Disc Players
Read - Save $50 On Select INSIGNIA® Connected Blu-ray Disc™ Players with Netflix [Via AVS Forum]

Windows 7 Media Center's upgraded Netflix Watch Instantly interface now available

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 20th 2009 at 3:40PM

Those already upgraded to Windows 7 ahead of Thursday's launch events (no, we're not coming to your party) should find a Netflix button parked under the Movies section in Media Center starting today. Clicking it revealed a slightly smoother install process than the initial Netflix upgrade for Vista users last spring, then it's off to the refreshed interface we first spotted at CEDIA -- extender support or HD streaming is still out. Also updated is the out-of-beta internet TV sliding under the TV tab (new from beta 2: Adobe Flash video support and region locking) with a wide assortment of streaming video available, though the picture quality still leaves something to be desired.

[Thanks, Daren & Craig]

Update: Not seeing it yet? Go to the Tasks -->Settings-->General-->Automatic Download Options and manually start an update there, the new tiles should arrive shortly.

Roku XR adds 802.11n, USB port and a longing for something more

by Darren Murph posted Oct 19th 2009 at 2:37PM


Hard though it may be to believe, the Roku has been rockin' the lives of Netflix fanatics for nearly 1.5 years, and if you were thinking an updated version was in order, you'd be on the right train of thought. Images delivered to us today prove that a refreshed iteration is on the horizon, with the Roku XR (model number N1101) retaining the same overall look and feel as the original but adding in niceties like 802.11n wireless support, a USB socket (presumably for loading up media locally) and a 2.5A power input (as opposed to 1.5A). You can also see that the dedicated reset button has been yanked and the bundled remote is exactly the same; in fact, we're told that the old remote controls the Roku XR sans issue. There's no word yet on a price or release date, but we're guessing we'll know significantly more prior to Christmas. Oh, and yeah -- you're not the only one thinking this is quite the underwhelming update, but hey, maybe it'll street for $9.99.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Off to see the Wizard? Netflix streaming the classic in HD today only

by Richard Lawler posted Oct 3rd 2009 at 5:13PM


Just in case you haven't already grabbed the remastered Blu-ray, Netflix is streaming The Wizard of Oz today only (until 9 a.m EST. Sunday, October 4,) in HD for subscribers with the proper hardware to play it. Even those who haven't signed up yet can view it via PC, though with a few less pixels. We checked it out already via Xbox 360 and while it is remarkably clear -- and probably better looking than you've seen it in the past on VHS or dodgy OTA broadcast, it's still the same movie, though the difference becomes more dramatic once reaching the colorized land of Oz.

Netflix CEO dreams of iPhone, TV, and game console ubiquity

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 22nd 2009 at 5:37AM

When a CEO is asked to dream we shouldn't be surprised when he dreams big. In an Reuters interview with Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, we learn that Netflix is working in parallel to bring its services to "all the game consoles, all the Blu-ray players, all the Internet TVs." Naturally, he added that the Xbox deal is exclusive for the time being. The company is currently focused on the big screen but "will get to mobile eventually, including the iPhone." And while the streaming business is "booming," he says the DVD business is still growing as well, likely peaking in "5 years or so" with people still doing DVD-by-mail over the next 20 years. Reed then adjusted his monocle and disappeared in a flash of cigar and brick-and-mortar ash.

[Via All Things Digital]

Windows 7 to get a better version of Netflix than Vista

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 10th 2009 at 4:24PM


No the Windows 7 version of the Netflix Watch Instantly still isn't going to work on Extenders for Media Center, but it will include a more seamless experience than the Vista version does, like the movie info image above. Microsoft really wasn't ready to share any more details with us, but we suspect the search is improved. The fact that they were so tight lipped leads us to believe that Microsoft is still holding back on some Windows 7 details -- at least in regards to internet content and Windows 7. At this point it appears we might have to wait until the official release of Windows 7 to truly figure out if all that work to bring internet content to Windows 7 pays off.

Sony's new BDP-N460 Blu-ray player adds access to internet content

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Sep 9th 2009 at 5:00PM

BDP-N460
What you're looking at here is the latest addition to the Sony Blu-ray family. The BDP-N460 seemingly fits right in between the BDP-S360 and the BDP-S560 with an MSRP of $249. What sets it apart from its little brother is the fact that it can use its included network jack for more than just BD-Live and it features a USB port on the front, in addition to the one on the back for optional BD-Live storage. There's no built in WiFi or MKV support like other brands though, but it is shipping with access to YouTube and to Bravia Internet Video, and in addition Sony promises Netflix Watch Instantly later this fall. No word on whether this means the end for the BDP-S360, but considering the price and improved features of the 460, that's where we'd put our money.

Continue reading Sony's new BDP-N460 Blu-ray player adds access to internet content

Netflix taking everyone to Oz for free via streaming, subscribers go in HD

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 9th 2009 at 2:40PM


As if we weren't already hyped that The Wizard of Oz is returning to theaters in celebration of its Blu-ray release, Netflix is putting a little something extra -- and free -- on it. Anyone in the U.S. will be able to stream the classic online via PC (trailer embedded after the break) at Netflix.com/wizardofoz from 9 a.m. October 3 for 24 hours, while subscribers can pull the stream down in high definition on any compatible device. No interruptions, no cost, no hassle. Prefer the group watch experience with an actual physical group of people? The company is also putting on a free concert and outdoor showing in NYC's Central Park September 29. With the options of on disc, streaming, in a theater or even outside it's hard to think of more ways to see a movie than this one, which would you pick?

Continue reading Netflix taking everyone to Oz for free via streaming, subscribers go in HD

A first hand look at the Netflix Movie Parties on the Xbox 360

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Aug 16th 2009 at 5:49PM



Like any true HD fan would, we took some time out of our crazy busy Friday night to get a group of HD fans together and test out the new Netflix Movie Party feature in the latest Xbox 360 update. At first we thought the idea is kinda cheesy, but we admit that we did actually like it -- when it worked. We're not sure what the cause was, but during the two hour movie, it stopped to re-syncing about 10 times because someone was disconnected and then rejoined. This is way too often, but hard to know if it is because of a bad connection or if the service just isn't ready for prime time. The other problem we experienced was all on us. The movie we watched was way too serious, and most people weren't talking. Honestly it just seems unnatural to talk during a movie, and we have to say that the novelty of avatars and emotes wore off rather quickly. That being said, we'd like to thank everyone who helped us test it out though, as their chit chat during the interruptions ended up being the best part of the experience.




AOL News

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

Joystiq
Download Squad
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
BloggingStocks
Joystiq Xbox
Autoblog
Big Download
Fanhouse NFL Blog