Microsoft might have scored an exclusive deal to keep Netflix Xbox 360 only and off both the PS3 and Wii. But if you’re willing to forgo the fancy UI on the Xbox, there is still a way to get Netflix on the PS3 and eventually the Wii too.
MediaMall has a software pack called PlayOn that uses the DLNA system built into almost every networked AV device. Right now I use the software on my Xbox 360, Moxi HD DVR, Helios X5000 and Archos Gen 5 hooked up to my bedroom TV with a DVR station.
The user interface isn’t spectacular as the program uses the device’s DLNA system. The great thing is that the software pack not only supports Netflix, but also Hulu, YouTube, ESPN, CBS, and Revision3. There are some drawbacks like the $39.99 cost after a 14-day trial ends, and the YouTube support isn’t exactly stellar. In the end though, the software gives you access to a lot of content not official supported by the devices.
when is netflix going to open a cheaper streaming only account
If you think $10 a month is too expensive then dude… you need a better job.
Don’t get too excited, as there aren’t any concrete plans yet, but it’s looking like a definite possibility.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings proposed the idea while speaking with Bloomberg, pointing towards late this year to 2010 as a plausible time frame.
I’ve been streaming netflix, hulu, and a LOT more on my PS3 for months. All for a ONE time fee of $20, not a reocurring xbox gold charge. PlayOn is awesome!
Ive had PlayOn for a while now. Worth every penny.
Agreed. And Hulu seems to stream in HQ on my PS3. So I got that going for me, which is nice.
I’m a PlayON user… it’s been a bumpy ride (buggy, unpredictable, etc)… but they’ve been really aggressive about issuing fixes and adding features. Props for that for sure!
All told, it still needs a fair amount of polish but it gets the job done.
Hulu on my XBox is where it’s at!
(of course, the more press they get, the more likely it is that Hulu starts trying to block ‘em out… yes, it’s possible!)
Isn’t Hulu free? If so then why would they have a problem with something like PlayON accessing their content through someone’s computer to play through to their tv? It still comes from them.
My guess would be because even though they build in advertising into the shows, they also have banners elsewhere on the site. If you stream through playon, you don’t have to look at those additional banners.
I’ve been using PlayOn for about 2 months now to stream to my PS3. I don’t like paying $40 for software, but to be reasonable, it’s cost effective since it is still the least expensive way to stream to my TV (besides hooking my laptop directly to it, which is a pain). And I do believe they are actively trying to fix all issues and solidify their position in this market.
A few things to mention here. First of all, we have a 14 day free trial, so you don’t need to pay us a cent until you decide it’s worth it. We are aggressively improving the product and will always continue to do so. We have kept the price point deliberately low as we recognize this product is still in it’s infancy. $39.99 is only a fraction of one months cable bill. You can get the trial here http://www.themediamall.com/playon/lp200907?rsrc=crunchgear Enjoy!
Great product. Great plugins. Make sure you check out http://www.playonplugins.com/ as part as your trial period.
-avalien
I’ve been using the PS3/playon combo for almost a year. As mentioned, a bumpy ride at times but the playon dev team is very active and deals with the issues that crop up. The plugins are great too. adultswim plugin FTW.
When will we be able to get this on our wii? Patiently waiting!!
Playon works great, up and running in minutes. Occasional hiccups but my PC is single-core and my DL speed is not super quick. Since this app looks like it is getting real popular real quick, I’m going to build a dedicated streaming server and upgrade my internet access. I’m really amazed that it works as good as it does. Running Hulu mostly, getting Netflix this fall. I have decided not to run cable or SAT any more. Keep the streaming providers coming.
@Melody Plaisance, wii support is actually available since like 3 weeks ago I think, they put it in public beta but didn’t formally anounce it. If you want to use it turn on your wii and go to the internet channel then go to the following url: playon.tv
It should work no problems :)
Darn it!! I had the free trial for 14 days downloaded and installed it,but never got to try it. I had to go to Aberdeen, SD for three weeks to train new reps. When I got home I was all excited to try it. Went to Netflix to add movies to my instant q
Sat on the couch and started to load it, everything was looking good till I got a playon expired message. Is there a youtube video or anything to see how it works?
HELP??? We cant seem to view Netflix on our PS3 even with playon. We downloaded playon onto our laptop, PS3 picked it up, and when we go to the Netflix folder it tells us we must upgrade to the unlimited plan but no option to do this. Also Hulu says its corruppted? How do we get Netflix on our PS3
thanks
Installed PlayOn last night and enabled my Netflix account for my PS3. Browsing for titles from the PS3 side seems to only show empty folders, but I can get to my queued movies and play them. I’m creating a Hulu account tonight and getting an ethernet cable for my PS3 to eliminate streaming video over my wifi. I’ll see if my video quality improves. So far I see this as a viable replacement for non HD TV. I’ll update everyone if my video quality improves… if i can get my 42inch LCD to show crisp video and digital audio, then its “bye bye” expensive cable. I’ll however not sacrifice video and sound quality for price.
UPDATE: Netflix account holders… DO NOT GET PLAYON… unless you are addicted to HULU… Netflix offers a FREE streaming disc that has a UI that makes Playon look like a DOS Prompt. (Sorry nerd humor). I tried to get Playon for $29 during the special but their eCommerce part of their site was down, then the price when back up to $39.00 so I waited. Then I heard about Netflix streaming media disc for PS3 and that settled it.. .I order the disc and haven’t looked back. I’ll be waiting for HULU to come out with one. But in the meantime I get all the netflix streamable titles instantly on my TV through my PS3 and the quality is much better than playon and there is NO PERFORMANCE LAGS!!! DO IT NOW PEOPLE!
I suggest everyone stays clear of PlayOn. I tried the demo and it worked great, but after purchasing the software, they changed the version and it broke it for me. The quality was too poor to use. I opened support request after support request with them and they could never fix it. Finally, after jumping through endless hoops with their shoddy support department, and over a month of not being able to use what I paid for, I asked for my money back. Their response was simply, “We do not offer refunds.” So I urge everyone to stay away from Playon, you may NOT get what you pay for, and they will NOT give you your money back, no matter how flawed their product!! Even if the demo works for you (like it did me), that is no guarantee!