First Impressions: Netflix Instant Streaming on the PS3

We've been quite pleased since replacing our Apple TV with the slimmed down PS3 console as the heart of our media center, with a transition smoother than expected. The tipping point for the switch was mostly due to Apple's updates continually nixing our Boxee and XBMC modifications. But we also found ourselves drawn to moving over to the PS3 for greater media playing options, including the recently added feature in the PS3's arsenal: Netflix instant streaming. Our first week impressions below.

Upon unpacking and setting up our PS3 system, we immediately placed an order for a PS3 Netflix Streaming disc; the request was fulfilled in the blink of an eye, with the disc coming in the same sort of recognizable envelope all of us Netflix subscribers have become accustomed to seeing in our mailboxes. But inside this delivery was the solution to transform the Sony console into a much more useful home theater device than out of the box.

First thing upon inserting the disc is activating your disc via web browser on your computer. A unique access code is provided once the disc loads, which is then entered at Netflix.com/PS3. With a slight pause, the system starts again, now providing access to your own personalized Watch Instantly Queue, while also supporting access to browsing and watching other categorized genres, including new movies and new TV shows. The user interface is clunky at best when searching for content outside of your own queue, requiring one too many button presses to even load a show. But once you find what you want, the system does an exemplary job of serving up both standard def and "HD" content (streaming HD is served at 720p, but is more like upscaled DVD in quality compared to a Blu-ray disc).

To be honest, we only previewed a few snippets of HD content via Netflix because we excitedly found a wealth of BBC TV shows hidden amongst the categories, and soon found ourselves lost amongst episodes of Sherlock Holmes and Duchess of Duke Street, which look great considering their age and source, but aren't exactly the programming one uses to showoff a home theater system. But it is this sort of programming options which we feel helps trump the Apple TV for viewers such as ourselves; we're pleased with the sizable library of older content we actually want to watch, trading off instant access to new releases which are sent via snail mail on a regular basis already. In our minimal TV-watching household this trade-off is fine, but we hope Netflix and Sony's promise of a XMB app update that does not require the use of a disc arrives sooner than later, alongside some polishing of the user interface. We haven't pressed this many buttons since trying to (re)learn how to play Street Figher 4!

And for those of you fellow PS3/Netflix users, be sure to download a PS3 cover for your Netflix disc to give your disc a proper safe and labeled place to keep it safe while not in use.

Comments (12)

we love it and have used it just about everyday...my husband doesn't like that you have to use the disc everytime but I don't mind at all. We have basic cable that comes with the rental so this is just perfect!

^
Totally read my mind.

unplggd's getting popular enough for comment spam! alright!

sounds like we could avoid the amount of input anxiety by using a USB mouse and keyboard with the PS3.

@FightTheFuture Yeah, I plugged my Dinovo Edge into it and it works great!

You have to use a disc for Netflix on PS3? I use my XBox 360 with my Netflix subscription and it does not require me to load a disc.

I use netflix instant on the xbox and it does not require a disc, but does require an xbox live account. They cost about $50 a year so I guess in the long run, the ps3 works out to be cheaper.

I also stream on netflix to my tv using an hdmi cord. This particular set up has been a real winner for a friend who has had some extended hospital stays. The hospital has wifi, and netflix instant provides a pretty great library.

I really enjoy streaming from my PS3, and personally I have to disagree with the clunky interface comment. For me the interface works great. It's not much different from the standard web interface. They simply made it so that it could be easily viewed from the couch. It's a definite improvement from having my PC hooked up to my tv.

Works great on the PS3, and the disc will not be needed after a promised update in 2010.

crownedmonkey: my main criticism of the interface was due to the need to press thru way one too many screens to access play of features/shows, especially in regards to series. Also searching thru the selection is poor compared to Netflix's own site, and as a longtime user of both their service and Apple iTunes, I stand by the assertion the PS3 Netflix interface is in beta mode. That is not to say I don't like the service...I'm sold otherwise and will live with the quirks, happily extolling its virtues to non-PS3 owners. But I do hope they improve the ability to search the selection beyond a hopeless and never ending list of drop menus.

I agree that the interface is clunky. But the problem isn't due to the newness of the PS3 option. You get the same interface on a Roku, and I bet a shiny nickel you also get the same thing on a Xbox.

Really the best way to deal with it is to use your computer. Locate whatever you want to watch, move it to the top of your instant watch queue, and you can find it easily on your TV interface. Clunky, yes, but easier than trying to scroll through a bunch of random stuff every time you want to find a show.

This service has ABSOLUTELY made the cost of Netflix worth it. Especially the comedy section!

I reactivated my Netflix account after the PS3 streaming feature was released. So glad I did and my girlfriend uses the PS3 more than I do now.

I also use the PS3 to access over 2 GBs of movies wirelessly from my 12" Powerbook G4 running PS3 Media Server. I keep the PB12 and the external hard drives in a different room, so I can keep the living room clutter to an absolute minimum.