Foster City, Calif. — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) revealed Tuesday that the PlayStation3 (PS3) has become the world’s leading platform for viewing Netflix movies on a television and is now “the primary development platform” for the Internet video service.
“PS3 is our largest TV-connected platform in terms of Netflix viewing, and this year, at times, even surpassed the PC in hours of Netflix enjoyment to become our No. 1 platform overall,” stated Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. “PS3 is a natural fit for Netflix in terms of developing and first deploying our most advanced features. We can transparently update our application with new features on a daily basis, and through the free PlayStation Network, people around the world can sign up for Netflix directly from their PS3.”
“The PlayStation and Netflix communities both share a strong passion for high quality entertainment,” said Jack Tretton, CEO and president of SCEA. “Netflix provides a fantastic experience for watching TV shows and movies on PS3, and our joint development will continue to produce innovations for our customers that further demonstrate PS3 as the true home for entertainment in the living room.”
Netflix said it now has more than 30 million streaming members globally, and is “the world’s leading Internet subscription service” for TV shows and movies.
PS3 was the first computer entertainment system to offer Netflix in Full 1080p video resolution with 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. It was also first with post play, second-screen controls, on-device sign-up, and alternate audio options, including subtitles.
PS3 is currently the only platform to experience a new voice user interface called “Max” that’s currently being tested, Sony said.
Earlier this year, PlayStation and Netflix expanded their partnership by bringing the Netflix to the PlayStation Vita in the United States. PlayStation3 owners can start watching a movie or TV show on Netflix, pause it, and continue watching on the PS Vita.
