In the U.S., Netflix on the PS3 is getting a much-demanded and much-needed update to lose the disc requirement and add new features.
While in Europe, LoveFilm is following its American counterpart’s example by offering streaming content to Playstation 3-owning subscribers.
Streaming Games Consoles
One of the easiest and cheapest (if you’re already buying one for games, that is) ways of streaming high quality video to the big screen TV in your living room is via one of the current generation of games consoles.
All three, the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii offer a multitude of options in this area, and as they all connect to the Internet already watching streaming movies and television shows is a no-brainer.
LoveFilm On PS3
is, essentially, the U.K. version of Netflix. But unlike Netflix it’s a DVD-by-mail service which has ventured into new territories, with five other European countries now also able to use the service.
In a direct nod to Netflix, LoveFilm is adding a PS3 streaming option to its existing service from November. Subscribers will have immediate access to more than 4,000 titles for free as long as they own a PS3 and have it hooked up to the Internet.
Like the BBC iPlayer, LoveFilm will be directly integrated into the PS3 dashboard to give users the smoothest experience possible. And the company is already talking about adding more streaming platforms in the future.
PS3 Netflix Improved
Meanwhile, the existing Netflix streaming service on the PS3 is getting an update. Until now ‘Watch Instantly’ has required a disc to be used for access, but Netflix will appear on the PS3 dashboard next week to eschew the need for that compromise.
Even better than that is the news that some content will now be available to view in 1080p HD and with full Dolby 5.1 surround sound. The Xbox 360 only manages 720p playback, and the PS3 is the first device to offer that audio quality.
Conclusions
Games consoles are once again proving to be strong drivers of online video. Not only in terms of users but also in terms of innovation. And Sony’s PS3 is just a smidgen ahead of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 for options right now.
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