Netflix Streaming to PS3, Xbox 360 Teased?

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Generally when presented with an opportunity to take a survey, I decline. This one might just have caught my attention.

It’s certainly not a done deal; it’s just a survey asking customers how they would feel, but Netflix, according to reports, is testing the waters to determine if customers would be interested in streaming video to their PS3s or Xbox 360s. They don’t seem to realize what a silly question that is, don’t they?

For the Xbox 360, the survey (above) says:

“Stream Netflix movies to your TV with Xbox LIVE. Now you can watch movies from Netflix instantly by using your existing Xbox LIVE account. You can choose from over 7,000 movies and TV series, and your choice starts playing on your TELEVISION in as little as 30 seconds. ”

For the PS3, the survey (click above to see) says:

“Now you can watch movies from Netflix instantly by using your Internet-connected Playstation 3. Simply insert a special Netflix disc into your PS/3 to enable instant movie streaming. The disc is available from Netflix for a one-time fee of $3.”

The PS3 survey goes on the say the same info about the 7K movies and 30 seconds for play to start.

In both cases, it’s indicated that there is no extra fee.

Now, how real is this? No confirmation from Netflix, naturally. However, this was reported in two separate locations, here and here, with two different screenshots. That seems to give at least some measure of reassurance.

Plus Netflix has been moving more into streaming, with Mac video streaming coming this year, new unlimited streaming options, and their set-top box deal with LG.

We Say: Of course, one possible problem would be a conflict with this and Microsoft’s Xbox Live Video Marketplace, which lets users purchase TV shows and rent movies that are downloaded directly through the Xbox 360. However, since Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is on Microsoft’s board, maybe it could all be worked out.