Netflix and Sony Computer Entertainment America have announced that the PlayStation 3 is the No 1 device for streaming Netflix on television sets, and the console has become Netflix’s first port of call for deploying new features.
“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,” said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
The PlayStation is also the top platform in the world for Netflix development, being first to get new features. It was the first computer entertainment system to offer full 1080p video resolution with 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus surround sound with Netflix, and first to offer post play, second screen controls, on-device sign-up, and alternate audio options, including subtitles.
“PS3 is a natural fit for Netflix in terms of developing and first deploying our most advanced features,” explained Hastings. “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.”
Currently, Netflix is testing its new voice user interface on the PS3 platform first.
Last month, sales of PlayStation 3 consoles matched those of Xbox 360 with 70m units sold worldwide. Meanwhile, Microsoft launched Xbox SmartGlass in October in its efforts to make its games console more of an entertainment hub, and is rumoured to have a set-top box and a Surface-style Xbox tablet in the pipeline.
