According to MediaMemo.com, the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, announced that the PlayStation 3 will no longer need a disc in order to stream content from Netflix by October. Hastings said, “Before our next call in October, we expect to be launching a major new version of our Sony PS3 user interface which doesn’t require a disc and is dynamically updated continuously with the latest Netflix UI improvements.” No comment was made about the Wii getting the same treatment.

As an interesting side note, in the same statement Hastings also commented on the company’s intent to move forward full-steam-ahead with regard to streaming more TV shows. Speaking to the subject Hastings said, “In terms of streaming content, we are rapidly expanding our TV shows available for streaming and since our last call we have added thousands of TV episodes from new deals with Fox, MTV Networks and Warner Television. These shows include all seasons of “24,” “Futurama,” “Lie To Me,” “The Chapelle Show,” “Nip/Tuck” and “Veronica Mars,” and in a few weeks all seasons of “The Family Guy” will be available to stream as well. We see TV shows as equally important to our franchise as movies.”

Good news for PS3 owners and good news for everyone who uses Netflix, don’t ‘ya think?

via ShackNews

Netflix is going global with its first expansion outside the US, taking its streaming-only service to Canada “this fall,” according to a recent press release.

Canadian Netflix will allow users to watch movies and TV episodes instantly from their TVs “via a range of consumer electronics devices capable of streaming from Netflix,” and on PCs and Macs. Netflix has yet to officially announce any Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii involvement, though a representative told Joystiq, “We’re not announcing the Netflix ready devices until the service launches, but it’s fair to assume that several popular, brand name devices will be capable of streaming from Netflix to TVs at launch – in addition to the ability to watch instantly on computers — and that we’ll add to the family of devices over time.”

The Canadian service will be available in English with the addition of a French language capability over time.

Canadians can head to www.netflix.ca for an email update when the service launches in the fall.

How do you Canadian movie-lovers feel about Netflix hitting your turf? Are those in other countries excited for the possible first step toward an international Netflix? Let’s hear from you in the comments!

For those of you that have been anxiously awaiting this feature for your Nintendo console, Netflix has finally made it to the Wii! The disc that is required to use the service on the Wii has already begun shipping as of the writing of this article. Setting up the service on the system is quite simple and Joystiq was kind enough to provide you with a walkthrough of the set-up process as well as some of the features of the service on the Wii.

It is very similar to how the service works on the other consoles although, for obvious reasons, there is no HD streaming. The Netflix membership required to take advantage of on-demand viewing on your Wii is only $8.99/month and it is well worth it (it also allows you to watch on any computer you want) in my humble opinion.

If you didn’t reserve a disc already, you can request one from Netflix here. Once you have received it you can return to the same link to activate it. We have used it for months through our Xbox and absolutely love it, so be sure and check this out!

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UPDATE: If you’ve watched the episode already and wanna get our response to the PS3 region lock thingy-ma-bob, please take a second to check out this post on EpicBattleAxe.com. Thx!

Prepare the second wave and loose the beserkers, its time for another edition of EpicBattleCry! In this week’s Skirmish we try not laugh as Splinter Cell: Conviction is delayed again, contemplate non-HD streaming from Netflix on the Wii, revel around the rumor of a Tecmo Super Bowl remake, make the most of the news that Star Wars: The Old Republic is looking at a spring 2011 release window, and discuss the news that a new Zelda is on the way.

With our skepticism, facetiousness, and loathing of Project Natal firmly on the record we change gears this week. Since Microsoft has, thus far, failed to demonstrate how Natal could be not only workable, but even desirable as a controller for traditional games, we discuss some uses suggested by several forum members that may actually have merit for gamers.

Then, we take a look at some recent EBA Poll results and find out what gamers think about the recently released Army of Two: The 40th Day as well as the news that Splinter Cell: Conviction has been delayed once more.

The Battle Cry of the Week goes to the gang at ScrewAttack for their excellent parody of the Natal documentary screened at CES 2010, Out of this World and other under-the-radar classics, SCEE for region locking Demon’s Souls and refusing to sell it in all territories.

Read the rest of this entry…

Nintendo and Netflix announced today that the popular DVD rental/streaming service will be coming to the Nintendo Wii and be available for Netflix subscribers beginning this Spring.

“Our research shows that 86 percent of all U.S. Wii consoles are located in the living room,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “The Wii console is the social hub around which friends and family members gather to play games and have fun. Soon both new and longtime Wii owners will enjoy the benefits of Netflix – and a variety of informational and entertainment options – by being Netflix members and connecting their consoles to the Internet.”

“Our goal is to offer Netflix members as many ways as possible to watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix right to their TVs and to give non-members more and compelling reasons to consider the service,” said Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings. “Joining forces with Nintendo, which has been so immensely popular with consumers since its introduction, is a very meaningful step in that direction.”

Like PS3 owners, Wii owners will need a Netflix instant-streaming disc to enjoy the service, which will be available at no additional cost to Netflix subscribers. Netflix members and Wii console owners can now reserve a free instant-streaming disc by going to www.netflix.com/Wii. Once available in the spring, the discs will be delivered for free by first-class mail.

Let us know what you think of this development below!

Scale the wall and breech their defenses, its time for another edition of EpicBattleCry! In this week’s skirmish, we open pandora’s box with the new God of War III Ultimate Edition, run down down the details of Netflix on the PS3, check out the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Limited Edition, and ponder the newly announced Nintendo DSi LL.

With Modern Warfare 2 just around the corner, we examine some of the recent news that has cast a shadow over the release of this title; is Infinity Ward ruining their rep with players by charging more for less features with MW2 on PC? Long-running Japanese game mag Famitsu has given Bayonetta a perfect score? Is the game really that good and is there such a thing as a perfect game?

The Battle Cry of the week goes to the DSi LL for boldly establishing the new less-portable trend, Left 4 Dead 2’s avatar awards, the possibility of Goldeneye finally making an appearance on the Wii Virtual Console next year, and all those PC gamers who have vowed not to purchase MW2; are they planning to get some other way?

Read the rest of this entry…

The gang over at Joystiq have caught up with a representative of Netflix to ask a few questions about the recently announced Netflix service for the PS3. Among other things, what caught our attention was the fact that PS3 users will have to have the streaming disc (which will come for free with the service) in the PS3’s at all times. That is until they conjure up some magical way for users to download the application straight to their PS3’s via the mystical Network of the Playstations.
Anyway, it’s a pretty good read and delivers some neato insight into the rather big development. You can catch the full interview right here.

Break out the popcorn and boot up the PS3, Sony has announced a partnership with Netflix to make “thousands of movies and TV episodes” available to be streamed instantly via the PlayStation 3. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system.

“The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Whether you want to watch content on Blu-ray disc and DVD, download it from the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service, or stream videos instantly from Netflix, the PS3 system is the only solution that offers it all.”

“As instantly watching movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix becomes an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Netflix service, our goal is to rapidly expand the devices that stream to our members,” said Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings. “As a leading game console and Blu-ray disc player, bringing Netflix to the PS3 system is a real win for both Netflix members and PS3 system owners.”

Hmmm, pretty interesting development. Wonder what Msoft thinks about it;)

Check out the full press release over on the Official US PlayStation Blog.

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