Sony's PS3 is Number One Player for Netflix Streaming - The UpStream

The PlayStation 3 may not be getting love from new companies entering the video space but everybody knows that it is the number one Blu-Ray player. What people may not know is that the PS3 is also top dog in other video-related categories, which is interesting considering the amount of PS3s out there versus other Internet-connected devices.

Almost every Internet-connected device can stream videos from Netflix, too. However, we have been told this week that Sony's PlayStation 3, amidst all of the problems that plague the platform, is the leader for Netflix streaming among all hardware, including the Roku, Boxee and Apple TV. Netflix's CEO, Reed Hastings, said,

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 No. 1 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.

Granted, the PlayStation Network being free is certainly a plus, where Xbox 360 users need a Gold Xbox Live account to access Netflix, but that can't be the only selling factor. Roku's are $79 and do not require a special subscription to access the same content. Perhaps it is those who are buying the PS3 for Blu-Ray that are almostly exclusively loading up a Netflix subscription as well. It could also be that not many people know what a Roku or Boxee Box is, and have opted to get one of the more commonly known, free, devices to stream video from. At any rate, Sony Computer Entertainment America's CEO, Jack Tretton, shared Hastings' delight on the news.

The PlayStation and Netflix communities both share a strong passion for high quality entertainment. Netflix provides a fantastic experience for watching TV shows and movies on PS3, and our joint development will continue to produce innovations for our customers that further demonstrate PS3 as the true home for entertainment in the living room.

With 30 million Netflix customers using a device to stream video, I'd be curious to see exactly how many PS3s are being pushing video to TVs. Tretton standing tall behind the PS3 being a "true home for entertainment" definitely speaks volumes, too. I believe Microsoft has been saying that for years now and has the resume and catalog to back it up. While being the top device for Netflix streaming sure is remarkable, Sony still has to make up about another 25 media partners in order to be in the same category that the Xbox 360 has been in for a while now. Perhaps this news will help them out with their revival plan and get Sony back on the right track. Outpacing the Wii, Xbox, Apple TV and Roku on the most popular video streaming service sure is a good start, so let's just hope they can continue to ride the momentum.