Comments on: Netflix on PS3 -or- The End of My Gold Live Account

By: Rob Rich

Rob Rich — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:19:50 +0000

Even if they still won’t do demos, you’d think they could at least have video clips available for all the games on PSN (instead of one in every fifteen), you know?

By: Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:21:22 +0000

You just articulated a lot of what I didn’t say above. Like, down to the point.

In fact, I may just copy your comment, post it under my name and then delete yours >.>

Heh. Kidding of course, but I agree wholeheartedly.

By: Tristessa

Tristessa — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:15:27 +0000

I love my PS3 but hate PSN to bits. The UI is terrible. Downloads are much slower for me than through XBL. There are little to no demos, resulting in me not buying much. Overall, I just end up not checking out their stuff as much as I do with XBL. Maybe if they had a small membership fee, they could end up having more free content.

I know Sony liked to say that they didn’t have demos because it didn’t prove effective in translating those downloads to actual sales, but it still makes it easier to shop for DLC content if I have that option. A little while back there was the question of the lack of demos actually being a cost thing, as Sony was charging the publisher for the downloads (.16 cents per GB). While the consumer isn’t being charged a fee, the publisher is getting hit with it. And unless they’ve changed that policy in the past 6 months, this might still be the real reason why nobody seems to want to put a demo up.

Getting Netflix is a big plus for Sony. But they still have a way to go before the service matches what I get out of XBL Gold. That’s why I have no problem paying into what they’re offering. $4.00 a month is a small price for me to shell out for the stability and ease of use I find with it.

By: Rob Rich

Rob Rich — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:19:15 +0000

Oh I agree, PSN is terrible when it comes to the User Interface and various other peer interactions. But as archaic as some of it feels, it’s still functional. I mean I know it’s lame compared to XBL, but it still gets the job done, more or less.

And since I don’t play a lot of multiplayer games anyway, it’s an easy choice for me to make. ;)

By: Raymond

Raymond — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:12:47 +0000

Some of us have been streaming Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, etc. for free to our PS3′s for ages now. I have sung the praises of PlayOn to anyone that will listen. It’s the best 10 dollars I ever spent. Now I am able to just be running a simple program on my PC stream everything I want to my PS3. Sure it cost me money to start but a one time fee is great compared to the way Microsoft has gone about it.

By: Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:54:23 +0000

I feel like the odd man out here in that I really don’t like PS3′s online setup at all, preferring 360′s by a large margin. I still enjoy my PS3, sure, but there’s just so much there that rubs me the wrong way.

As for the PS3 being able to do everything else you mentioned, Scott – I think you’re also not taking into account that some people see an advantage in having all of those functions consolidated into one device, rather than spread across the four you mention.

I’m in no way poo-pooing your decision, other than the fact that it means I lose another potential online partner, seeing as 360 is my go-to for online rather than PS3 (with the one exception of fighting games online, where I do favor Sony). I wish that Xbox would drop (or eliminate altogether) the price of Live too, but, for the time being at least, I’m still satisfied enough with the service to keep ponying up my cash.

Regardless of all this, I still thought this was an excellent piece (as your stuff always in) and I’m glad you put your thoughts out there.

By: Scott Thompson

Scott Thompson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:20 +0000

“We believe we offer an experience today that is a generation ahead of what others are offering. For a little over $4 a month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is hands-down the best value in home entertainment, and gives you exclusive access multi-player gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, 1 vs 100 and more.”

That’s what Microsoft had to to say in response to being asked about Netflix going free on 360. A generation ahead? My PS3, computer, DSi, and phone can do most if not all of those things (excluding 1 vs 100 of course) for no extra charge. This goes far beyond living with their head in the sand; Microsoft clearly dwells some 50 feet below the surface of the Sahara desert.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:07:53 +0000

This was actually the kicker for me as well. I haven’t touched my 360 since I got my PS3 except for Netflix. At the Netflix announcement, I decided not to renew my Gold membership. I’m tired of being nickled and dimed at every turn.

By: Rob Rich

Rob Rich — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:38:37 +0000

I agree. Netflix was really the only reason I truly missed my Gold Account, and now that’s gone. Once I figure out how to get my stupid Blutooth headset connected to my PS3 it’ll all be over.