Netflix now available on the PS3!
Having recently purchased the new PS3 Slim, we were very excited when we read articles that Sony and Netflix were partnering to allow streaming of the Netflix library on the PlayStation 3. We already stream Netflix on our Mac Mini as well as the Roku Digital Video Player.
Once receiving notification from Netflix that the disks were available, we received it in 2 days! The disk came in the typical Netflix covers, the only difference is that is said do not return.
So let’s get started. All you have to do is load up the DVD like any other disk and it auto plays. First screen that comes up says to log on to your computer and activate the PS3 disk on your account. It gives a 5 or 6 digit code to enter. After doing so it says that it will take about 3 minutes to activate your PS3, but it seemed less than 30 seconds. Having experienced the vast difference in streaming Netflix between out Mac Mini and our Roku, we were excited to see the difference on the PS3.
The first screen in the User Interface that populates is your Instant Queue. The images are a bit more pixilated than the same UI on the Roku, but when the individual covers are highlighted, it is clear as a bell. The menu is far more extensive than the Roku. You can view recently added movies, television shows, as well as a number of categories: Children and Family, TV Shows, Horror, Sci – Fi, as well as others. Each category has about 60 – 100 videos to choose from instantly without having to log on to your computer and add to your queue. This is a step from the Roku UI that only seems to have your queue.
Now to watching some shows. I first tried a recent episode of Heroes (already in my queue.) It took a few moments for the HD quality to buffer, but after just a few seconds the picture was beautiful! In Checking out some of the other videos like Bob the Builder or Bridget’s Beaches reviews, the quality was the same. A little pixilated in the beginning, but then a great image. We did test Bolt to compare because we own the DVD and the quality wasn’t HD, but that is probably because it is streaming from the Starz viewing versus using the full digital file from Disney.
In summary, all in all we are impressed with being able to view Netflix through the PlayStation 3. I would say the Roku Digital Video player has a better stream, or at least no buffering time to HD Quality, but the UI options are awesome on the PS3. Thank you Sony and Netflix for making my day!
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