Netflix Now Streaming on PS3
You can now stream movies from your Netflix instant queue through your Sony PS3. In order to get it working though, you need to order a free PS3 disc from Netflix, which you can do by going to netflix.com/ps3.
Once you get the disc just insert it in your PS3, active the PS3 as a streaming device in your Netflix account and you’re good to go. Read more
Netflix Launches App Gallery
Netflix launched the Netflix App Gallery earlier this month, which allows you to do all kinds of things with your Nexflix account.
Looking for a way to access Netflix on your phone? Choose from nine different mobile applications. Want to search for movies and add them to your queue from Twitter? We’ve got you covered.
Netflix also has put together a Netflix Developer Portal for the wizards who want to build Netflix Apps.
[via The Netflix Blog]
Better Recommendations via Star Predictions at Netflix
Netflix has reported an improvement its recommendation engine by deploying a new algorithm for star ratings. It should be a subtle overall change, but should also make a difference in the long run.
Members who rate movies will now receive better guidance on how many stars they’re likely to give movies they haven’t seen (aka “our best guess for you”). These star predictions influence the movies we feature on many pages of the Netflix website, in particular in the Movies You’ll Love area.
[via The Netflix Blog]
Microsoft and Netflix Enhance Movie and TV Watching on the PC
Latest content addition offers more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly on a PC with Windows.
REDMOND, Wash. — May 20, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes from Netflix Inc., the world’s largest online movie rental service, are now available to watch instantly on the PC using Windows Media Center on PCs with Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. This newest content addition builds on Microsoft’s goal to create a consistent experience on the PC for consumers to easily enjoy the entertainment of greatest interest to them.
With Windows Media Center, consumers no longer need to jump from Web site to Web site to find the TV shows, movies, sports and news they want to watch. Windows Vista customers who are also Netflix members can simply start Windows Media Center on their PC and then select the new Netflix tile under TV+Movies to begin streaming movies and TV episodes instantly. People can also search the entire Netflix library, manage both their instant and DVD Queues, and even filter searches by titles that are available to watch instantly. Windows Media Center takes advantage of the Netflix recommended category lists to make it even easier to quickly find the movies and TV shows that consumers want to watch. Conveniently, Netflix in Windows Media Center is also designed to work with any Windows Media Center-compatible remote control. Read more
Engadget’s Netflix HD Streaming Shootout
Engadget did a bang-up job on staging a shootout among Netflix HD streaming devices. In the test, they compare the following variety of Netflix streaming boxes:
They give the image quality nod to the Samsung, but there are so many caveats to each player that it’s tought to call it a clear win. When you’ve an Xbox 360 sitting around, it’s hard not to take advantage of it and just roll with the free streaming even though the controls are not the greatest in the world.
Head on over to Engadget for the full roundup.
Netflix Instant Streaming Coming to Vizio TVs
Just a couple of days after Netflix announced that LG TVs would offer Netflix Instant Streaming, Vizio has jumped on the Netflix bandwagon as well. Look out Comcast and Dish (two services I hate). Netflix is legitimately vying for a big chunk of the living room.
I already take advantage of the Netflix Instant Streaming capabilities built into the Xbox 360. The best thing about Netflix Instant Streaming is that it doesn’t cost anymore than the service plan that you already have. Just register your Xbox with your Netflix account and, Bam!, you’ve got tons of movies and TV shows at your finger tips. The integration with actual TVs is just another step into your living room – and it’s one I applaud.
For details on the Netflix and Vizio partnership, see the press release below. Read more
All Columbia Movies Back on Instant Stream at Netflix
The eagle eyes over at 360 Sync noted that all of the Columbia movies and shows that had previously been pulled from Netflix Instant Stream are now back online and available for you to add to your Instant Queue.
Originally, Columbia titles were pulled without notice, only to later learn that the reasoning was due to some content licensing snafus between Columbia and Netflix. We hope the Columbia content is here to stay, and here’s to more Instant Streaming!
New LG Plasma and LCD TVs Instantly Stream Netflix Movies
Netflix continues to look out for its customer base by putting together strategic partnerships, which lead to new innovative products that empower Netflix members with more options. In the latest move, LG has committed to producing LCD and plasma TVs that are broadband-enabled and will accordingly be able to stream Netflix movies from members’ Instant Streaming Queue. For additional details, see the following press release.
LG Electronics First to Unveil ‘Broadband HDTVs’ That Instantly Stream Movies From Netflix
Netflix Members Can Instantly Watch Movies Directly On New LG Plasma and LCD HDTVs
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. and LOS GATOS, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics today extended its groundbreaking partnership with Netflix, Inc. , as the two companies announced the first broadband-enabled HDTVs with Netflix streaming software embedded directly in the TV, requiring no external device. LG’s new LCD and plasma “Broadband HDTVs” will display the growing library of movies, TV episodes and high-definition (HD) content that Netflix members can watch instantly directly on the TV with Ethernet connectivity. Read more
‘United States of Tara’ on Netflix
Netflix continues to push great service out to its users with the ability to screen shows before they air on networks. Netflix just announced that they are teaming up with Showtime to bring us the series premiere of United States of Tara, along with season premieres of The L Word and Secret Diary of a Call Girl. See the press release from Netflix for more info. Read more
Netflix Speeds Up Shipping of Movies
Netflix recently announced a revision to its shipping process that will help us all get our movies faster. Everyone has a “local shipping center” that is dependent upon their proximity to one of the 55 shipping centers across the US.
Now, if your first choice is not available in your local shipping center, we immediately send the next locally available movie in your Queue, and whenever possible, we also send your first choice from another part of the country.
Basically, you’ll get a bonus movie if your next choice is not available. For more details, see the official word from Netflix.
