Video: Netflix on the Xbox 360 demoed
by Dustin Burg 
{ Jul 21st 2008 at 5:00PM }
Curious to see how Netflix on the Xbox 360 works? If so, check out one of Major Nelson's latest Inside Xbox video features showing off the new movie watching functionality. Watch in awe at the seamless integration between the 360's dashboard and the Netflix.com queue, as standard defintion video enjoyment is streamed to the console in quite a technologically interesting process. View the vid and make sure you have a Netflix account come this Fall, because after viewing this demo, you'll more than likely be interested.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Digital Limit @ Jul 21st 2008 5:09PM
So what are the limitations of what I can watch with friends? I imagine inviting friends to watch Netflix is seamless as the content is merely streamed to them as well, but what about content on my drive or if I have a disk in the tray? Do I stream content from my harddrive directly to them? That seems pretty impressive. If that works for disks too, my mind is absolutely blown.
Neuromancer @ Jul 21st 2008 5:29PM
Unblow your mind, it will not work for discs.
refinedsugar @ Jul 21st 2008 5:14PM
It has begun.
Pasha @ Jul 21st 2008 5:26PM
Inviting friends to watch the movie?
Well, best case scenario, you can invite anyone on Live and they movie will play to them. I doubt you'd be hosting it, and they would probably we watching it from netflix's server, just like you.
But, the chances are, you'll only be able to do that with friends that ALSO have a netflix account and a gold membership.
Arnie @ Jul 21st 2008 5:33PM
This was actually confirmed, yes your friend will need both to watch the movie with you which IMHO seems fair. I just hope Netflix starts ramping up their service and starts offering more and more blockbusters and newer releases. They should start talking to Hollywood and I think like Apple they can command certain privileges.
I dont know why studios aren't rushing towards this. They have lesser costs and things like distribution and storage costs become lesser of factor. They can offer higher quality (Blu-Ray) over traditional brick and mortar but most people I know will be more than happy to watch the quality you get over the Internet.
edward camp @ Jul 21st 2008 5:28PM
either way thats a hell of a feature.....
Bob @ Jul 21st 2008 10:41PM
You know what else is a hell of a drug? Cocaine.
-Rick James
Neuromancer @ Jul 21st 2008 5:28PM
Other than having to add your stuff to your queue from the website and not the console itself, which is pretty assy, this is going to be nice. As a Mac user I can't stream stuff on their site. =(
Viva la standard definiticion!
Etchasketchist @ Jul 21st 2008 5:41PM
You know what would solve that problem instantly?
A web browser on the 360.
Make it happen, Microsoft.
Jim Halpert DM @ Jul 21st 2008 6:41PM
Nah...I'd rather browse on a computer. But if you're interested in browsing the web on the 360 and run Windows Media Center, WMC has a add on web browser that works on the 360.
Rick @ Jul 21st 2008 5:31PM
Stupid question alert: Do I have to pay for a Netflix account to watch them on my 360? If so, this isn't really all that interesting as I'm not a Netflix subscriber.
Etchasketchist @ Jul 21st 2008 5:40PM
Yes. You need to have a Netflix account.
DeadPlasmaCell @ Jul 21st 2008 5:42PM
I believe that's the case. If you have Netflix & Xbox live it's free. for $8.99/mo you can get Netflix with unlimited watch time. My question is will the 360 upscale the video (for capable 360's)
Rick @ Jul 21st 2008 5:45PM
You would think Microsoft could take a chunk of that $50/year we pay to offset having Netflix available for at no additional cost for all XboxLive Gold users.
Then I guess I can officially file this under: MEH.
Deezul @ Jul 21st 2008 6:14PM
Um, cheapest Netflix with unlimited streaming is $8.99. If you pay for Live by the month, it's $7.99. So you want MS to kick in $1 as well as all the money you paid for live so you get get Netflix for free? Yeah, they'll get right on that.
However, it would be nice if they offered $1 off the plan if you stream to a 360. I don't have Netflix now, but this deal makes me seriously consider it.
Mark @ Jul 21st 2008 7:42PM
Rick, it's not that interesting for people that don't have both. But if you do, then it's certainly something cool that you get for two services you pay for already.
UDLRmatt @ Jul 21st 2008 5:33PM
What about users outside of the US? I'm in the UK, so can't subscribe to a Netflix account. :-(
Nick @ Jul 21st 2008 5:39PM
I'm in Canada and I wonder something similiar. Obviously we can have netflix, however will it be crippled like the video store is?
Only time will tell, I'm not holding my breath OR signing up for an account until I know, that's for damn sure.
Dirty @ Jul 21st 2008 5:53PM
Im proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free (to purchase the best content before anyone else). and I wont forget the men who died, to give that right to me.
c.Lake @ Jul 22nd 2008 4:33AM
@ Dirty
NOT COOL!!! Way to look and act like a complete douche in front of the other countries. The US is part of the WORLD -- so stop embarrassing us.
Dirty @ Jul 21st 2008 5:46PM
Does anyone have netflix streaming now? Is the content even any good. This could be great but if its a bunch of lame movies on their whats the point. Im going to assume that no new releases are on there.
Dustin cox @ Jul 21st 2008 6:07PM
the selection for the instant watch is just above "meh" there are a few movies that I have queued up but no more than five. Lots of indie movies, TV shows, documentaries, and music movies. ALTHOUGH they did just upload almost the entire TROMA catalog.
GRT @ Jul 21st 2008 9:17PM
I have a Roku box (btw if you're running Vista you should google vncNetFlix to get a plugin to do this today, rather than waiting for MS) and will second the "Meh" of the selection.
I use it to watch old sitcoms and stuff. The resolution (for now) isn't something you'd want to use to watch movies, and the audio is plain stereo. No surround or anything.
Basically to me its a great feature if you already have a Gold membership and are a Netflix subscriber, but I wouldn't sign up to Netflix just for this.
Brian Fantana @ Jul 21st 2008 5:53PM
No Hi-Def movies?
Crap feature then.
eminemd12obie @ Jul 21st 2008 11:57PM
y is he getting thumbed down? this feature would be SO much better with hi-def... i would gladly pay for netflix if they had Hi-Def but they are slow on that... but i guess most ppl don't have HDtv's or are fine with upscaled movies but I am in the minority who can't deal with that... sucks for us :(
monkeymonkeymonkey @ Jul 21st 2008 6:04PM
Wow, so many people complain about the the simple things.
1.) Of course you need a Netflix account to take advantage of this. Stop being cheap and get a sub. It beats paying $3-4 a rental at rental stores.
2.) Of course your friend will need a Netflix account to watch a movie with you. They will get the same stream as you, and I guess its for the purpose of chatting with your friends during the movie.
3.) People who do not live in the US, if Netflix isnt available then you wont be able to use this features. Dont blame this on Microsoft, its the greedy movie studios.
4.) I currently use the "Watch Now" feature on Netflix. It has some good movies, no new releases though. It does have some recent TV shows that have come out on DVD.
5.) People who are complaining about no HD content, tell me a service that streams HD content. Most consumers dont have a internet connection that can handle streaming HD. Give it time, it will come.
Jcarpio @ Jul 21st 2008 6:18PM
5.) People who are complaining about no HD content, tell me a service that streams HD content. Most consumers dont have a internet connection that can handle streaming HD. Give it time, it will come.
As is the case with most things.. you gotta learn to crawl before you walk.
Dirty @ Jul 21st 2008 7:12PM
Unless your chuck norris
Dirty @ Jul 21st 2008 7:13PM
you're
erock @ Jul 21st 2008 6:36PM
is it just me or all the are showing are OLD movies!? i didnt see any new movies in his Q
horngreen @ Jul 21st 2008 7:03PM
Man what a bunch of crying pussies. Do us all a favor and join the military. Why would they let you stream new releases for free? Why would MS want to let them do that as MS charges for new releases. Why do idiots who pay $40 a month or more so they can text "meh" on their cell phone bitch about the cost of anything? If you have EVER paid for a ringtone for your phone SHUT THE FUCK UP LOSER! Thanks for listening.
monkeymonkeymonkey @ Jul 21st 2008 7:17PM
I hear ya. For the cost of a Netflix sub, the steaming content is more than worth it. I think its an incredible deal, and now I will be able to watch things on my main TV without hooking my laptop to it.
For new releases, put them in your regular que. For TV shows and older movies, use the Watch Now feature.
Like the other guy said, quit your bitchin :)
BLAST3R cw @ Jul 21st 2008 7:17PM
That is really impressive. BluRay (PS3) or Netflix (360)?
monkeymonkeymonkey @ Jul 21st 2008 11:02PM
wow, another ps3 fanboy trolling the xbox360 site. Your point makes not sense. Its like comparing apples and oranges.
decadeofevil @ Jul 21st 2008 8:00PM
umm they have quantum leap,knight rider and A-team that's worth it alone!!!!
air carter15 @ Jul 21st 2008 9:49PM
i might actually subscribe. that sounds pretty f'in sweet.
DeadlyFrenchman @ Jul 21st 2008 9:57PM
watchin a movie with a friend.........WHY IS THIS NEW. Ur plyin a game console u dont need to hav a party for watchin a film. i still prefer the old xbox dashboard this jus looks like 1 of those april the 1st things but tht i dont want.
Dare599z @ Jul 22nd 2008 3:11AM
Funny enough, the Roku box page has an bullet point worth noting:
High Definition Ready Box will play HD when Netflix begins streaming HD
source: http://www.netflix.com/NetflixReadyDevices?lnkctr=wnph_nfrd&lnkce=nrdwiphpra
Interesting choice of words-- "when", not "if".
Just something to think about.
But yeah, the selection of movies is "meh".
Chase @ Jul 22nd 2008 6:10AM
I want to see the Netflix party system in action. Will our Avatars be seated in a theater? Perhaps a choice of various locales? A special Netflix popcorn vendor outfit for our Avatars?
Gazzzmoly @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:41AM
Again what is it with microsoft showcasing to the world services are that going to be only available in the US
Netflix is only available in the U.S.
they need to stipulate before they announce something the countries that it will or will not be in unless your really into xbox news and researching there is no way you would know that this is not coming to the rest of us.
Kalroy @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:50AM
Actually, Microsoft was showcasing to an American trade show. This show is noticed/watched/paid attention to in the same way TGS and Leipzig are. You should assume that if information applies to the collateral audience they will state it (as Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft did on several occasions).
I mean why bother to mention that "over siliconed unnatural booby battles" will not be available outside Japan during a presentation at TGS?
Kalroy
Leatherface @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:19AM
I might've subscribed if it was available in the UK. Looks like I'll just need to stick to getting my movies for free on the net...
cooki2222 @ Jul 22nd 2008 1:13PM
This will most likely come to the uk but instead of netflix i think it will most likely be the BT vision thing we heard about last year
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7178661.stm
So expect to see this announced for us sometime soon with BT instead of netflix, well thats in my opinion anywho.
Tony @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:45AM
Standard Definition only? Moving on. This is a waste of time on a supposed HD console. I've had the ability to stream from Netflix to my HTPC for a long time and guess how often I've done so? Um, zero. Lame.
sp00ks @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:50AM
I can understand why both people have to have netflix...I think, at the same time if I rent a movie from netflix and put it in physical drive, I don't have to kick people out of the house if they aren't Netflix subscribers.
So am I the only one wondering what the point to having a "party" is. Is this for discussing a movie or something afterwards, it just makes no sense if everyone in the "party" is paying for the same service...someone explain.
Kalroy @ Jul 23rd 2008 12:43AM
NOT COOL!!! Way to look and act like a complete douche...
The U.S. may be part of the world, but the "world" is not part of the U.S. And since when should Americans really care what people in Vanuatu or Monaco think? Sure, Aotearoa's opinion has some validity, but less than Britain or Australia. Even then a country that puts out the likes of the diggers could care less that an American thinks America is the greatest and shouts it out.
Heck, in my opinion you are far more embarassing than Dirty.
Kalroy