Rumor: Netflix set to bring rental service to the 360

by Dustin Burg { Feb 15th 2008 at 2:00PM }

Our current Video Marketplace setup is decent enough allowing Xbox 360 owners to rent movies or purchase television shows a la carte. But think how much better the XBVM service could be if an already popular unlimited movie rental service like, say Netflix, were to be incorporated? Well, that may just happen.

According to Seanbajuice, a random Netflix survey (which was sent out to a select few Netflix subscribers) asks specific questions regarding how likely it would be for one to support Netflix being integrated into the Xbox 360. The survey points out that no additional subscription fees would be required (though, a one time $3 disc purchase may be necessary) and would give unlimited viewing access to Netflix's entire movie and television library streamed straight through your 360. The survey is just a survey, so this is far from being official, but how could anyone be against such a partnership? Heck, if this Netflix / Xbox 360 service ends up becoming a reality, we'd suddenly let go of any negative sentiment we felt towards Netflix for abandoning HD DVD. Our hearts heal fast.

[Via Xboxic, Thanks XxURDONExX]

Tags: microsoft, netflix, video-marketplace, xblm, xbox-live, xbvm

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

maest @ Feb 15th 2008 2:14PM

I'd renew my netflix subscription for this.

xFenixKnightx @ Feb 15th 2008 2:12PM

Hope this becomes a reality!!!

webster1990 @ Feb 15th 2008 2:14PM

if only it would ever be available in the UK.
maybe they will do a similar thing with lovefilm?
ah, one can only dream

xFenixKnightx @ Feb 15th 2008 2:18PM

But, will they be in HD?????

Josh @ Feb 15th 2008 2:25PM

This is the question that really determines the success of such a move. If the movies aren't in HD most of us won't bother with it.

IgnorantTechie @ Feb 15th 2008 2:42PM

This statement is so far from reality...HD TV is not the be all - end all that the media blitz wants us to believe it to be...While HD would be nice, it would by no means stop large amounts of consumers from participating in this program.

HDTV is not the dominant television in the household and at their current costs, it will be some time before it is.

AoE @ Feb 15th 2008 2:37PM

That's the million dollar question. I've got to agree with Josh too, no HD content = meh.

Matt @ Feb 15th 2008 3:12PM

I'm certain it will be. Apple TV has HD and cable services offer HD PPV. Plus Xbox Live is already offering HD movie downloads. It would be like taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back if they didn't offer HD.

Maestro @ Feb 15th 2008 4:36PM

IgnorantTechie: Seeing how many 360 owners have it hooked up to an HDTV, then yes, HD is important.

Dan @ Feb 15th 2008 8:03PM

The article says "stream" movies. In other words they would not be saved to your hard disk.

Sunny @ Feb 15th 2008 2:20PM

I sent this tip in almost a week ago... =/

Anyway, the $3 disc was only mentioned for the PS3. The Xbox 360 would use the Xbox dashboard and your live account, according to the scenario presented by the survey.

Cyrus @ Feb 15th 2008 2:22PM

And of those sent the Survey how many are not in the market for the use of an Xbox 360, and how many are??

Also why is netflix so interested in being a part of lXBLVM I see no reason they need to be...

Maybe they're money hungry

Larry @ Feb 15th 2008 4:36PM

The reason is simple Netflix needs to get their service in the Living room before it will take off. Microsoft could just be looking at an additional revenue stream for the Xbox360.

Sunny @ Feb 15th 2008 4:54PM

It's possible that they only sent the survey to people who they knew had either of the consoles. A while back I got a survey asking if I had any of the systems, including handhelds. I marked that I had a 360 and got this new survey when it was sent out.

DjDATZ @ Feb 15th 2008 2:24PM

Sweetness...I only hope Canada would be included in this...too bad Netflix doesn't deal with Canada as of now...

Cyrus @ Feb 15th 2008 2:28PM

And of those sent the Survey how many are not in the market for the use of an Xbox 360, and how many are??

Dave @ Feb 15th 2008 2:31PM

As an ever saddening HD-DVD add on owner and as a growingly annoyed BlockBuster subscriber this has potential to be amazing. However I think it's very unlikely. Imagine the bandwidth unlimited movie rentals would take up. I doubt it would be High Def either for the same reason. But the biggest part, what does Microsoft have to gain other than give up everything they've tried to build with the marketplace? I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that the movies on Live suck and the prices suck even more. Maybe Netflix would share enough profit for MS to think about it...but when has more money ever kept MS from trudging ahead with their own agenda (for better or worse)?

Adam @ Feb 15th 2008 2:31PM

aint gonna happen on 360 microsoft would never alow it.And besides the quality of these online movies is terrible i have netflix its that bad.

Hockle @ Feb 15th 2008 2:32PM

Whether or not this happens, it's just another sign that the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray debate is sort of irrelevant. We live in an era right now where you can get HD movies straight to your TV (via cable box or xbox) and it's just a matter of time until ordinary Jimmy Consumer figures that out. When that happens, watch as Blu-Ray players and media get their prices slashed as HD-DVD has in the last month.

dylan @ Feb 15th 2008 2:35PM

This might make me not cancel my netflix service, as it is they have been taking nearly a week to send me a movie, and are always out of my top 6-8 movies, which means I'm getting about 5-10 movies I don't really want
per month which equal about 2-4 bucks per movie, blockbuster usually has at least ONE of my top five choices and I don't have to wait days on end for them.

ccc @ Feb 15th 2008 2:40PM

While I'm all for digital downloads, I do not agree with the pricing of content on the marketplace. Namely tv shows. They run an average of 160 ms points. Taking a series like Naruto for example with 28 episodes in season 1. I can purchase season 1 at a store for 23.99 while to have them all on my 360 not only takes up a bunch of space, it also cost more than double the retail price so, why would I?

patsmcd @ Feb 15th 2008 2:47PM

well first, all this stems off a survey? They are just trying to figure out, if this is even an idea they want to move foward with. It it does happen it would be along ways off if they are in the market research stage. Second, would Microsoft allow Netflix to come in and take away from there download service? Only if a deal is made that Microsoft gets a good cut, and Netflix is exclusive to Xbox and not PS3. And then Im sure Sony would just team up with Blockbuster. I dont see this happening on an unlimited views per month basis. I could see it working like the regular Netflix where you get your rentals in the mail and a limited number of online rentals per month.

Tony @ Feb 15th 2008 2:51PM

I'm not understanding... is this for their entire rental catalog you can get physically? Or is it just for the stuff they currently let you stream off their site?

If it's the latter, eh... Cool? I can't wait to watch tons of horrible 80s films. There's a few diamonds in the rough (Clue, Short Circuit), but man.