PS3 Netflix Streaming Plan Question

[arthursiew]

I just started Netflix to rent the not-so-good movies, so I can save some cash and buy the Blu-rays that I know are good. I have a question. I started the plan with the instant streaming for PS3. Do I need to have the plan with Blu-ray to stream HD movies or can I just use the standard plan for $8.99 and stream HD movies? I'm a little confused.

[NewBluClu]

the standard plan will enable you to stream any "instant watch" movie. some of those are in "HD" so you don't need any special subscription to view them.

[The Collector]

I'm thinking about joining Netflix for the on demand service. How is the selection?

[kingofgrills]

The instant streaming section of Netflix is pretty good, and it is continually expanding. I started using the instant streaming feature quite a while ago with PlayOn for PS3, and now I do it with the PS3 Netflix disc. Not all features are available on demand, and most first run films are not available on demand. Even still, it has allowed me to catch up on TV shows like Lost and Heroes, and a bunch of movies I never would have purchased.

The PS3 on demand features accesses different categories such as the top 50 of your On Demand picks, new releases (on demand new releases), Comedies, Dramas, etc.

It obviously doesn't beat having the Blu-rays but it's pretty cool.

[JAS]

Just a quick question,
I have two 80gb PS3's and I just signed up for the netflix instant streaming. Does it work with the old PS3's because it wouldnt let me do anything. I know the slim does it. Maybe I did something wrong? A little Help!!!!!
THANKS!!!

[steve_dave]

It works with all PS3s, I use it on my 80b Fat just fine. If you have multiple systems, make sure to activate each one and make sure the disc is inserted.

[JAS]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

It works with all PS3s, I use it on my 80b Fat just fine. If you have multiple systems, make sure to activate each one and make sure the disc is inserted.

Where do I get the netflix disc? Do I activate each system one at a time?
THANKS FOR THE REPLY!!

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by JAS

Where do I get the netflix disc? Do I activate each system one at a time?
THANKS FOR THE REPLY!!

Netflix.com > Your Account & Help > Watching instantly via PS3

[Dase]

Do the movies stream in 5.1 surround?

[hijeff1]

The HD movies are in 5.1, and look AMAZING, but I must be the only one who thinks that the selection is horrible. There are VERY few HD movies, and non-HD movies quality is horrible.

Just my 2 cents

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by hijeff1

The HD movies are in 5.1, and look AMAZING, but I must be the only one who thinks that the selection is horrible. There are VERY few HD movies, and non-HD movies quality is horrible.

Just my 2 cents

Actually...

All films streamed over Netflix are stereo only. The 5.1 audio you are hearing is the Pro-logic II decoder matrixing the stereo signal to multi-channel sound.

There are over sventy-five titles available in HD but the Netflix server determines what stream you are getting. If the server calculates that your connection si too slow then you will get a lower quality stream.

[Dase]

This is why I will never bite on a service like this. Until they stream in at least 5.1 I will wait.

[mikejet]

For $9 a month to watch that many things on demand, I won't complain. I like it.

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by -dase-

This is why I will never bite on a service like this. Until they stream in at least 5.1 I will wait.

You'll be waiting a long while for that.

Netflix promised 5.1 when the Roku debuted. Never happened.

Netflix was released to XBox 360 and still no 5.1 audio.

Netflix brought to the PS3 and 5.1 was promised. Again, never happened.

Considering this is additonal convenience and not a replacement for the discs in the mail, I seriously doubt that Netflix's priority is on 5.1 audio for streaming video.

Add to that, the dependency on the server to determine the stream quality rather then allow for true buffering. I know the Roku does not have a hard drive but after the XBox 360 release, it would be a no brainer to offer some buffering to a hard drive to eliminate pauses during playback.

I mean the latest Roku could have easily added a USB port for a thumb drive to give it the capability for buffering. Especially since the PS3 is now an option for Netflix users.

This way, an HD offering can be streamed in HD more consistently and those with 1.5mbs lines can enjoy a much better SD experience.

I like my Netflix service for the availability of Blu-ray Discs and DVDs I normally would not purchase through a rental in the mail and the option to view some movies Instantly for when I don't want to use a rental slot in my disc queue. For $18, I can rent quite a few discs and while waiting for a disc can enjoy movies I normally skip via my PS3, 360, or Mac.

[Uniquely]

Originally Posted by -dase-

This is why I will never bite on a service like this. Until they stream in at least 5.1 I will wait.

The only streaming service to offer 5.1 Dolby Digital so far is Zune HD on the 360. It has 1080P video too.

[Dase]

I am not knocking it . I do think it's a great value for what you get. I am just saying that for me it's not worth it. With the amount of content available via cable service and internet, I don't think I will bite yet. I know it will be available eventually, and it will be sweet when it is .

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by -dase-

I am not knocking it . I do think it's a great value for what you get. I am just saying that for me it's not worth it. With the amount of content available via cable service and internet, I don't think I will bite yet. I know it will be available eventually, and it will be sweet when it is .

Put it this way:

HBO + Cinemax = $14

Unlimited streaming on Netflix = $9