By Chris Scott Barr

I’ve had a Netflix subscription for years. However, after their streaming service became worthwhile, I stopped caring about getting DVDs anymore. I’ve stopped watching them altogether. Once in a while I’ll start to feel bad, and send in a movie that I’ve yet to watch, just so it can be of use to someone else. What I’ve really been waiting for is a streaming-only option.

Netflix has finally decided to offer a streaming-only plan for customers in the US. The plan will get you unlimited streaming to your computer or TV. The monthly cost will be $8, which is $2 cheaper than the cheapest DVD plan that also included unlimited streaming.

What’s that, the cheapest plan with unlimited streaming is only $9? Not anymore. In addition to rolling out the new streaming-only plan, they’ve decided to raise the price for this plan, likely to encourage people to switch to streaming. Now instead of $9, you’ll need to cough up $10 a month if you want to have your cake and eat it too.

[ Netflix ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Last week we were excited to tell you that you would soon be able to ditch your Netflix disc when streaming movies on your PS3. Yesterday, you were finally able to do that. What we didn’t expect was to find that Nintendo’s console was getting the same treatment. That’s right, pop out that red disc and throw it at someone, because you’re not going to need it anymore.

It seems that the exclusive deal inked by Microsoft back in 2008 has finally expired. The deal stated that Netflix wasn’t allowed to have installable apps on any other gaming console. Thus, they worked around it by shipping out special discs. Since you weren’t technically installing anything to the consoles themselves, Netflix you were still able to stream content without Microsoft’s deal being breached. Sneaky Neflix, very sneaky.

[ Netflix ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Chris Scott Barr

The gaming world rejoiced when Netflix finally started streaming to first the Xbox 360, then PS3 and Wii. Unfortunately for owners of the latter two consoles, you were tied down to a disc if you wanted to take part in the service. Well for the PS3, you won’t have to mess with that much longer. Starting October 18th, you’ll be able to ditch the disc and stream your favorite movies and TV shows from Netflix.

That’s not the only new thing coming to the PS3. Apparently you’ll be able to stream some shows and movies as 1080i and/or have 5.1-channel surround sound. That’s something that not even the 360 can boast. Don’t worry though, it will be coming sometime in the future, though the company hasn’t said when.

[ Netflix ] VIA [ Engadget ]

By Chris Scott Barr

With Netflix applications on computers, TV’s and major gaming consoles, it seems like you’re never very far from a device that can stream movies. If you have an iPhone, then you’ll always have access to the extensive Netflix library of movies. That’s right, the company has released an app for both the iPhone and iPod Touch that will allow you to stream movies to either device using WiFi or a 3G connection.

I’ve still never found my iPhone useful for viewing anything longer than a short YouTube clip here and there. However, the app will still serve a useful function, aside from streaming movies. You’ll be able to search for movies and manage your queue. This is actually pretty great, since I tend to think of good movies to watch when I’m nowhere near a computer.

[ Netflix ] VIA [ Gearlog ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Back in January we told you that Netflix would be streaming to the Wii sometime in the near future. Out of the three, this would probably be my last choice to stream movies to. Not only can you not watch movies in HD (as the Wii doesn’t support HD output) but you’re going to be required to have a disc inserted at all times. Yes, this is exactly the same as the PS3, likely enforced due to a deal with Microsoft.

Well if you signed up for your Wii streaming disc from Netflix, you should be receiving it in the mail within a couple of days. If you haven’t done so already, hit the sign-up page here for your disc. I’m excited to see all three major consoles now supporting this. Depending on what consoles you have and where they’re placed, you could have Netflix streaming to every TV in your house.

[ Netflix ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Man, it’s a good thing that Microsoft managed to snag that exclusive deal with Netflix back in August of last year. Otherwise PS3 and Wii owners might have the same access to the rental giant’s instant streaming library. What’s that, the PS3 already has it, and it’s just been announced for the Wii? Never mind then.

That’s right folks, despite whatever deal Microsoft snagged with Netflix, Nintendo has just announced that they will also offer the ability to stream Netflix movies to the Wii. As with the PS3, a special disc will be required in order to use this functionality, leading me to again believe that Microsoft’s “exclusive” deal technically only prevented the other companies from installing the software directly onto their consoles.

The discs will begin shipping out sometime this Spring, but you can sign up for them now. Aside from the minimum $8.99 unlimited streaming plan from Netflix you will not have to pay any additional costs. Again the trade-off is having to use a disc every time or paying for an Xbox Live subscription, personally I don’t mind popping the disc in my PS3.

There is one small drawback to using the service on the Wii, as opposed to the other two consoles. Since Nintendo’s console doesn’t output in HD, you will obviously be limited to watching movies in SD.

[ Netflix ] VIA [ Cnet ]

By Chris Scott Barr

Back in August we told you that Microsoft had signed an exclusive deal with Netflix, making the 360 the only console which could stream their movies. Well it would seem that either the exclusive deal was carefully worded, or was only for a very short period of time. Why? Because the company just announced that later this year the PS3 will get a similar treatment.

That’s right, PS3 owners will soon be able to stream the very same movies to their console, with the added benefit of not needing to pay for something like Xbox Live Gold. The downside is that in order to stream the movies, you will need a special Blu-ray disc. This will be provided free of charge to all Netflix subscribers who request it. A minor annoyance, likely in place due to the existing agreement with Microsoft. There’s no word on exactly when this is going to be rolled out, but you can reserve your Netflix Blu-ray disc now.

[ Netflix ] VI A[ Crave ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I’ve been enjoying being able to stream Netflix to my 360 for a while now. What I don’t enjoy is paying for a Gold subscription in order to use it. One could argue that most 360 gamers already keep themselves at Gold status so they can play games online. That’s great for them, but I rarely play anything on my 360 with people online (I do most of my online gaming with my PC). I have both a PS3 and a Wii as well, and I’ve been hoping to hear something about getting Netflix on one of those, since neither charge for their online experience. Well finally we’ve heard something.

It seems that Microsoft has managed to sign an exclusive deal with Netflix, making them the only ones with a console that streams movies from the service. There’s no word on just how long the exclusive deal is, but I’m guessing it’s no less than a year or two. I’ll give Microsoft one thing, it does add more value to a Gold subscription. It’s one more thing for them to cite when people complain about Sony offering online play for free.

On a related note, PlayOn seems to be an interesting alternative that lets you stream Netflix (along with Hulu, YouTube and several others) to your TV with a PS3, Xbox 360 (without paying for a Gold Membership) and soon a Wii. I haven’t had a chance to test it out myself, but I’ll let you guys know when I do.

[ Microsoft ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Chris Scott Barr

You have to give a lot of credit to Netflix. These guys have really re-invented the way we rent movies. First with their idea to let you order movies online and have them mailed to your door. Then they decided to let you stream rentals to your computer. Now they’re offering the same streaming service to other devices like your Xbox 360 and TiVo. Today they announced the latest devices they will be invading, Sony Bravia HDTVs.

Starting this Fall, all of their new internet-enabled sets will be able to stream movies via Netflix. Older models will be able to do the same using the BRAVIA internet link module around the same time. Give it a couple of years and you won’t be able to find a new TV that doesn’t work with Netflix.

VIA [ CrunchGear ]