Sony's connected BRAVIA HDTVs score Netflix streaming, PS3 left in the cold
NETFLIX ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SONY ELECTRONICS
TO INSTANTLY STREAM MOVIES TO BRAVIA TVs
Sony Joins Growing List of World-Class CE Manufacturers That Enable Netflix Members to Instantly Watch Movies Streamed to the TV via the Internet
LOS GATOS, Calif., July 9, 2009 – Netflix, Inc., (Nasdaq: NFLX) the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced a partnership with Sony Electronics that will enable Netflix subscribers to instantly watch movies streamed from Netflix on Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs and on previous BRAVIA models compatible with Sony's BRAVIA Internet video link module.
In the fall, Netflix members on an unlimited plan can use the Sony BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs to instantly watch more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix.
Sony is the latest consumer electronics (CE) company to partner with Netflix. Other CE companies partnering with Netflix are Microsoft (with the Xbox360), LG Electronics, Roku, Samsung, TiVo and VIZIO.
Netflix members pay as little as $8.99 a month for unlimited streaming from a library of more than 12,000 choices and unlimited DVDs by mail from a library of more than 100,000 DVD titles in more than 200 genres.
"Sony has been a world leader in consumer electronics for decades," said Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings. "We are proud to include Sony Electronics among our CE partners who continue to provide new and exciting ways for Netflix members to instantly watch movies and TV episodes in their living rooms on their TVs."
About Netflix, Inc.
Netflix, Inc. is the world's largest online movie rental service, with more than ten million subscribers. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can get DVDs delivered to their homes and can instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and PCs, all in unlimited amounts. Members can choose from over 100,000 DVD titles and a growing library of more than 12,000 choices that can be watched instantly. There are never any due dates or late fees. DVDs are delivered free to members by first class mail, with a postage-paid return envelope, from 58 distribution centers. More than 97 percent of Netflix members live in areas that generally receive shipments in one business day. Netflix is also partnering with leading consumer electronics companies to offer a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes to members' TVs from Netflix. For more information, visit http://www.netflix.com/.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shenanigans @ Jul 9th 2009 9:36AM
Netflix better make its way to the PS3 with HD too. I know it isn't blu-ray quality but I don't want to see pixelation.
I need SVU and CI whenever I want without moving my 40 lb computer around my apartment to hook it up to my TV.
Isaac @ Jul 9th 2009 10:43AM
Two solutions: Laptop or wireless N.
Shenanigans @ Jul 9th 2009 10:48AM
I'd be cheaper to buy a xbox 360 or Ruku instead of a laptop. But I don't want to buy more hardware. Wireless N???
The Fuzz @ Jul 10th 2009 9:00AM
I haven't the slightest what they are waiting for with the PS3. Everybody seems to be adding this function except the PS3. I can only wonder if that new release the are planning will have this and a whole lot more in it. Only question is .. will it be to little to late..(had to say that.)
The Fuzz
www.thefuzznetwork.com
mitchelljd @ Jul 9th 2009 9:51AM
definitely netflix needs to be on PS3. hell it is needed on Apple TV also.
Fargus @ Jul 9th 2009 9:52AM
How can this announcement NOT include the PS3?!?!?! You think Sony knew how stupid they would look before releasing this?
DrXym @ Jul 9th 2009 10:37AM
Microsoft money hatted Netflix (to use Silverlight, VC-1 and other MS tech) and the deal may have included timed or total exclusivity for 360 streaming. The only workaround may be to send out a BD-Live disc that does streaming since the PS3 could play that. Not very practical but it may well be thats how it happens until the exlusivity expires.
Isaac @ Jul 9th 2009 10:40AM
I'd guess the deal between Netflix and Microsoft had some time-based exclusive game console condition. i.e. the Xbox 360 is the only Netflix streaming game console for the next year or so.
PlayOn FTW!
Jason Chapa @ Jul 9th 2009 11:04AM
Xbox 360 FTW!!!
NIUHuskie @ Jul 9th 2009 11:09AM
I've been kicking around the idea of dropping NetFlix for a while now, as I've sort of replaced it with Redbox. This seems like it may be the news to push me over the edge. I'm sure there aren't a ton of other people who will follow my lead, probably not even enough to put a dent in any "exclusivity" money they got from Microsoft, but this really bothers me. I've been a paying customer of Netflix for a long time, and I pay the same amount as everyone else. Why shouldn't I be able to get the same service that others are getting? I can understand why game makers might choose one side or another (even though I don't like it), but NetFlix really should only be interested in getting their product to as many people as possible.
Greg @ Jul 9th 2009 2:19PM
Given that there's now been -2- polls from Netflix about the service on PS3, and now this, I think they are gearing up to the end of the more than probable 1 year console exclusivity with the 360 (in November or December I think).
Looking forward to Netflix streaming on PS3.
Shenanigans @ Jul 9th 2009 3:03PM
Or maybe the second PS3 poll is to determine if there is any movement with the PS3 results. They could be figuring out if it is still more profitable to cash the MS check to guarantee 360 exclusivity then gain a handful of new users with PS3 support.
Tony @ Jul 9th 2009 2:00PM
NetFlix is worthless if you cannot use their services without a proxy. Does PSN work everywhere? If not it's worthless too.
If I want online movie rentals as a service then I'm going to purchase the product that supports it. However if that product doesn't come in a standard AV chassis to stack in my 19" rack without modification then I'll go without. Building the service into my television is acceptable provide the fibre optic out still provides DD or DTS and not simple two channel audio, as well as being wireless. Of course if I can't use the service because big media refuses to allow me to use it simply because of where I live it is again useless.
If it's a feature being used to increase MSRP rather than adding more value to an existing product in a market that can't use the feature then I call foul. Offer the product as NetFlix capable and allow me to purchase the feature as an after market product instead with a firmware update.
Heavytoka @ Jul 9th 2009 4:35PM
Most Likely Microsoft has a timed exclusive for the service
mntwister @ Jul 9th 2009 5:20PM
If Sony has been working with Netflix on streaming, which no doubt they have now, you can be sure they have discussed it for the PS3. Let's not forget that Sony has to write the software for the system with Netflix. I bet an announcement is coming at any time.
That said, I have the Samsung 2550 Blu-ray player with Netflix streaming, and while I have enjoyed watching shows like The Munsters and some good series and several movies, the selection is really bad. So far, Netflix streaming is way over-rated.
mntwister @ Jul 9th 2009 5:24PM
By the way, I don't think Netflix would be stupid enough to sign an exclusive contract with Microsoft and exclude the millions of homes with PS3s from becoming Netflix members. Unless a HUGE sum was paid, which I doubt, Netflix can increase their subscribers by several million by streaming on the PS3 (possible, not certain). Look at it from a business sense, Netflix increases subscribers, Wall Street is happy, that's what they are after.
Video Master 2 @ Jul 9th 2009 8:29PM
Sony really doesn't want Netflix because they are pushing their own crappy PPV movie store that takes a gizillion years to download a movie.
If you want to talk about one of the greatest companies to take a dive in products etc, its definitely Sony and Microsoft.
Panasonic, Samsung and Apple have risen to the top.
mntwister @ Jul 10th 2009 12:03AM
Well if that is true, Sony is really missing out because alot of people are aware of the streaming on Netflix. I just can't understand why because the selections is SO BAD.
freddy @ Aug 6th 2009 1:01AM
This is the stupid announcement i've ever heard and weird freaking sony!