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Sony Hails PlayStation 3 As Most-Used Device for Netflix Streams

By Andy Sim - on 6 Dec 2012, 4:18pm

Sony Hails PlayStation 3 As Most-Used Device for Netflix Streams

Consumers in Singapore might not be too familiar with Netflix, a video-on-demand site based in the U.S., not unless home viewers here resort to alternative means such as a VPN service to access the otherwise 'prohibited' content. Nonetheless, Sony announced another milestone for the Japanese firm recently, with claims that more people are streaming Netflix videos to their televisions via the PlayStation 3 than any other media device worldwide. That's 30 million members to be exact.

Sony is naturally proud of this achievement. According to Phil Rosenberg, Senior Vice President of SCEA's Business Development unit, this is no mean feat since there are a myriad of competing devices available on the market, such as gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and Internet-connected STBs (set-top boxes) to contend with.

Netflix was first introduced on the PS3 in November 2009, and it gave users access to early features unavailable on other platforms at that time. In addition, the PS3 was also the first console to offer Netflix's content in 1080p video resolution with 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus surround sound, among other things, like on device sign-up and alternate audio options with subtitles.

Here's what Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings had to say about Sony's latest accolade.

"PS3 is our largest TV-connected platform in terms of Netflix viewing, and this year, at times, even surpassed the PC in hours of Netflix enjoyment to become our number one platform overall. PS3 is a natural fit for Netflix in terms of developing and first deploying our most advanced features. We can transparently update our application with new features on a daily basis, and through the free PlayStation Network, people around the world can sign up for Netflix directly from their PS3".

Support for the handheld PlayStation Vita has also been rolled out in the States earlier this year as well. This feature enables users with a PS3 and a PS Vita to toggle between the two devices whilst watching the same Netflix clip. Not a bad feature, especially if your other half is constantly bugging you for the telly.

Source: PlayStation Blog via HDTVtest

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