Microsoft

Blogs

The Microsoft Blog

« Microsoft says Yahoo mischaracterized offer | Main | E3: Sony, Microsoft each predict console victory »

E3: Details of Microsoft's new Netflix deal

Posting from Los Angeles: Microsoft today announced a partnership with Netflix that will let subscribers to the movie-rental service watch films and TV shows streamed online to their Xbox 360 consoles, as noted in our rundown. Here are more details:

When the Xbox Live/Netflix service starts in the fall, Netflix subscribers who are also Xbox Live Gold members (available for a $49.99/year subscription) will be able to stream video content from Netflix using an Xbox 360, the companies say. (Note: Price of Xbox Live Gold basic subscription has been corrected since original post -- tb.)

Currently, the capability of streaming to the TV is available to Netflix users who buy a $100 device to enable the streaming. The Netflix site has already been updated to tout the ability to watch "instantly on your TV via any Xbox 360 in late fall 2008." The companies say more than 10,000 movies and television episodes will be available for streaming.

Interesting detail from the news release: The companies say users will need to go to the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV shows to their "instant queues." After that, a list of the videos will show up on the TV screen. From there, people will be able to select the shows and movies they want to stream.

Based on the description, it sounds like people won't be able to just pick the movies from the Xbox Live interface on TV screen, without first going to the Netflix site. That might be good for Netflix, by not cutting its site out of the loop -- and for Microsoft, by keeping the PC part of the process -- but it sounds like it could be more cumbersome than necessary for users. I'll ask Microsoft to clarify that point today.

Microsoft also offers movie and TV downloads through its Xbox Live video marketplace. The deal isn't a surprise, given past references by Netflix to its intention to strike console-related content deals.

In addition, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is on Microsoft's board.

Posted by at July 14, 2008 12:52 p.m.
Categories: Digital Media, Video Games

Comments

#150864

Posted by NP Man at 7/14/08 1:20 p.m.

this is great news! another reason to have the 360 as the centerpiece of your entertainment center

Report violation

#150881

Posted by unregistered user at 7/14/08 1:53 p.m.

A one-year Xbox Live Gold membership retails for $49.99, not $59.99.

Report violation

#150885

Posted by unregistered user at 7/14/08 1:54 p.m.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/memberships/subscriptioncards.htm (Link for above post)

Report violation

#150887

Posted by unregistered user at 7/14/08 2:01 p.m.

If you're running Vista, you can already do this: lifehacker.com/396881/turn-your-xbox-360
-into-a-streaming-netflix-player

Report violation

#150897

Posted by Todd Bishop at 7/14/08 2:13 p.m.

Thanks for pointing out the mistake. (I was going off the Xbox Live Premium Gold Pack, which has extras and costs more than a basic subscription.) I've fixed the post and noted the correction. -- Todd

Report violation

! Login below to post a comment.

Unregistered users, sign up now

Or post anonymously (About this feature)

RSS
Headline widget

BLOGGER BIO

Joseph Tartakoff: P-I staff reporter

SUBMIT A TIP

E-mail or call 206-448-8221 with tips or ideas

FEATURED COMMENT

Q: Why can't Microsoft buy 'Coolness'? A: Because Coolness has a poison pill in its contract in the event of a Microsoft takeover.
-- Reader on Microsoft to sell line of "softwear"-labeled shirts