Can Sony’s PSN movie service compete with Netflix?
Netflix recently announced that its streaming movie service will be heading to an existing CE device out on the market. Currently, it looks like Sony’s PS3 device might be the most likely candidate for this service. Since Sony has been investing heavily in its own movie service on the PS3, will it be able to complete with Netflix?
Earlier today we covered news regarding Reed Hastings’s announcement that another existing CE device on the market will be receiving Netflix’s streaming movie service. Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO indicated that the device the company is partnering with already has a “material installed base.” Apparently the install base for the mysterious device is large enough for the company to revise its fourth quarter expectations.
Hastings specifically referred to game consoles as the mystery device so it seems like this service could be coming to the Nintendo Wii and/or Sony’s PS3. I suspect that Sony’s PS3 might be the prime candidate to receive this service considering its multimedia-centric design. Currently, the PS3 is the most sold blu-ray player in the world with over 25 million units sold.
Sony has been also investing heavily in the PS3’s Playstation Network (PSN) movie store. The PSN store is a free service available on the PS3 where users can rent or purchase movies and TV shows. I have been enjoying the service on my PS3 to watch movies mainly. Movie rentals range from $2.99 to $3.99 depending on its release date. The service updates with the latest movies and television programs regularly as well.
If Netflix becomes available on the PS3, the PSN movie store will have some competition as both services allow rentals. However, there is one big distinction between Netflix’s streaming movie service and Sony’s PSN movie service, the availability of newly released titles and subscription costs. Netflix’s streaming movie service is mostly comprised of older movies available for a monthly subscription fee, while the PSN movie store refreshes with new movies for rental or purchase à la carte.
If Netflix does come to the PS3 it will be interesting to see if Sony will continue to support its own movie service. I suppose consumers who occasionally watch movies and dislike subscription charges will be interested in the PSN movie store while those who watch frequently will be interested in Netflix.
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October 25th, 2009
Well of course Sony is going to continue their own PSN movie service. Just because Neflix comes doesn’t mean they will end it LoL. Sony would not even think of ever doing that I’m pretty sure. And yes the PS3 might be the console to get Netflix which would be another huge blow to Microsoft.
October 25th, 2009
it could be iphone/ipod touch!!!
October 25th, 2009
Well, Netflix can only come to PS3 as an app if it partners with Sony. If netflix is browser based only I don’t think it will gain mass market traction.
I WOULD like to see Sony offer some sort of subscription service. Why not a plan that hits my wallet for $15 or $20 per month and gives me unlimited downloads from the video store? It costs Sony essentially ZERO difference if 5 people or 500 people download a movie or tv show. Do they honestly think they are going to gain any volume by charging $3 for a tv show episode I missed? Not a chance when there are some many free ways to get that same content. Give me a subscription or “season pass” or something and I’m likely to sign up!
October 26th, 2009
@ DavidB: “It costs Sony essentially ZERO difference if 5 people or 500 people download a movie or tv show.” – Have u ever heard of royalties or bandwidth???
October 26th, 2009
@ DavidB: “It costs Sony essentially ZERO difference if 5 people or 500 people download a movie or tv show.”- Have u ever heard of royalties or bandwidth ??
October 26th, 2009
confirmed via the official playstation blog that netflix is coming to ps3
October 26th, 2009
Yeah, it was already confirmed that Netfilx is coming to Sony’s PS3. I doubt Sony would have allowed it if they thought it would interfere with it’s PSN profits to that extent.
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/netflix-coming-soon-to-playstation-3/
October 26th, 2009
The Downside to Sony’s Video Store is they only let You Download ONce, and as a courtesey maybe a second time, but three times & ur out toi buy another Copy. :( Thats why i decided to stick to Games only on the Network, or the rentals, but Do NOt Buy videos on the Network UNtil they change that ridicules Policy.
October 26th, 2009
I will be getting netflix for my ps3. It was confirmed today that netflix is coming to ps3 via playstation blog. But i will not abandon the ps video store. I like to buy movies and tv shows from the store. And my friend has xbox and i have gone through his instant queue and netflix does not have many new releases for instant streaming. I will use both services and blockbuster because blockbuster does not charge extra for blu rays and i mainly watch blu rays. Im mainly getting netflix to instant watch tv shows and documentaries. And im sure ill make use of getting dvd’s through the mail i mean why not i am paying for it. I hate that netflix charges extra for blu ray rentals, this is why i will still got to blockbuster. That and i love blockbuster i have been going there since i was a kid and i hate that they dont step up their game and do something like netflix. I was hoping for a service partnership like this with sony and blockbuster. I was hoping blockbuster would offer a similar service like netflix on ps3, that would be awesome, competition is always good for the market.