Netflix Watch Instantly title search flips on for all PS3 users

Being tied to a disc hasn't made for the easiest Netflix Watch Instantly experience on the PlayStation 3, but it has its benefits, and now that includes the ability for all users to search its library directly on the console. This feature's been available to some for months before it was even announced the Xbox 360 would get parity in a fall update, but we can confirm it's currently rolling out to all PS3 users. It should automatically update the next time you're watching, so just slide left from Instant Queue on the top bar to live the glorious life of title searching that you deserve.

PlayStation 3 Netflix search

[Gussieboi Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:01PM]

Cool a search bar!

[statickeith Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:07PM]

@Gussieboi

@Engadget The first MeeGo handset picture and specs are leaked now:
http://www.mobile-users.net/2010/07/27/nokia-nx0-xml-concept-photo-inside/

[bravokiloromeo Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:16PM]

@Gussieboi
It's about time. I've never used Netflix on my PS3 simply because it requires a disc (and a decent amount of disk space). It has a full web browser, and yet it is more difficult to use than my 360's interface.

[wack Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:24PM]

@Gussieboi
yeah, where the eff is that on my 360!?

[MrPacMan36 Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:44PM]

@Gussieboi

Sorry for hijacking your comment, but I only have a 360 and Wii, the 360 is in my brothers room and the Wii is in our tv room. We don't really use the Wii for anything but Netflix, but I think the Nintendo store should add a Netflix app for 200 points (or whatever their money system is based on). Not only will they make something off of it, but its not that much and people won't need a disc anymore, so it's definitely worth it.

[glamajamma Posted Jul 28th 2010 12:24PM]

@MrPacMan36
I wish people would stop responding to the first comment so they will show up on the first comment page.

[TheMichaelJackson Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:02PM]

I wish I could watch Dexter Season 2 and 3 instantly.

[Meekermoloko Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:11PM]

@TheMichaelJackson

I wish I could watch every movie and TV show instantly.

Let's start with "Mad Men."

[bravokiloromeo Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:22PM]

@TheMichaelJackson
I might be mistaken, but wouldn't it be more cost effective for Netflix to make all shows/movies streamable? No more mailing discs, except Blurays, maybe. Even then, they offer HD streaming.

[jkudlacz Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:25PM]

@bravokiloromeo

Actually no, because to maintain such a large database of movies would require SERVERS, LOTS of SERVERS, and those cost lots of MONEY. Also sending large amounts of data costs too, Netflix is growing their business steadily, increasing their selection and so far so good.

[d3sc3nd3ncy Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:08PM]

@TheMichaelJackson

If I could watch season 2 and 3 instantly, I'd have a Netflix account to just watch it over and over :D

[PBB Posted Jul 27th 2010 9:36PM]

@jkudlacz
And you can't forget the movie studios constantly getting in the way as well. If they had their way, there would be no streaming media at all

[Pawsed Posted Jul 27th 2010 9:43PM]

@jkudlacz Server costs are way offset by postage costs, and having large numbers of physical discs at rental license cost (you can't just buy a disc from Best Buy to rent; Rental stores have to pay way way more for the rights to do that, and have to do it for every copy they have).

Their are numerous reasons, but the biggest one is that the companies don't want to ruin their DVD/Blu-ray sales. Would you seriously buy one ever if you could have EVERYTHING streaming (and eventually in HD). You'd be paying Netflix a monthly fee for all content ever. This screws:

- HBO/Cinemax/Encore/Starz etc out of 99% of their content. Even their original series, which make it to disc, would be available streaming eventually. Why pay two subscriptions for just that?

- Pay-Per-View / On-Demand becomes only live events. Why would you pay to rent a movie when there are ones you've never seen for free on Netflix (assuming the entire catalog is streaming). That new movie is just going to hit Netflix eventually. Sure, some times you might really want to see it On-Demand... but that business model is screwed

- Physical Discs. Who wants to own that when you have it, in archive, unscratched, format-neutral access for one low monthly rate?

Netflix has started to get more streaming recently because they made deals with almost every major studio that said they'd wait something like a month after a movie comes out on disc before renting it. Depends on the studio. The point is, they're getting more streaming access because the studios didn't know what to do, and gave it to them to boost physical sales for a month or so prior to Netflix having it for rent. The studios don't want want everything to go digital. One new release Blu-ray costs more than a Netflix subscription, why would they want to give you all that content for less? Especially when it's through a 3rd party, not them directly.

The Music industry had to deal with digital downloads, which now equal physical sales, and are rising while the other drops. The Movie industry knows its future is digital distribution as well; they just aren't in any hurry to help Netflix lessen their profits.

[jspurlock54 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:27AM]

@TheMichaelJackson You can watch season two instantly, I just finished it today lol

[towergrove Posted Jul 28th 2010 6:45AM]

@Pawsed
Sorry that is incorrect... Digital music sales are in decline recently

Album sales decline slows in Q1; digital sales dip:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6390D720100410

[TheMichaelJackson Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:03PM]

@bingster

To get downvoted to oblivion.

[Meekermoloko Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:03PM]

Now ... do it for Xbox Live.

Thanks.

[bravokiloromeo Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:19PM]

@Meekermoloko
The Xbox doesn't entirely need it since there's a rotating "menu" of shows and movies to pick (which is very nice for indecisive people like myself), but yes, it would be nice.

[scots79 Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:04PM]

I'll have to hop on to check it out, if this is helpful, I'll start using the ps3 for netflix even with the annoying disk. If its not, I'll stick with the 360 app.

[spy323 Posted Jul 28th 2010 5:31AM]

@scots79 Im surprised people are just now getting it. I've had it for at least 4 months now.

[Psyclotr0n Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:06PM]

but can it stream Baywatch?

[bob e Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:06PM]

Those lucky ps3 owners!

Just wait till us xboxers have kinect enabled netfflix - that 'll show em!
http://www.kinectblog.com

[afrovballpride Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:06PM]

Why doesn't the Wii or the 360 have search? Why does the console with the least market penetration keep getting the most useful stuff (Hulu exclusivity, search in Netflix...)?

[bravokiloromeo Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:18PM]

@afrovballpride
Hulu is just sort of a pilot at the moment.

Sony is just trying to get exclusive applications to help it compete against the 360 and Wii. Lord knows it needs the help.

[Tijok Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:26PM]

@afrovballpride Because Nintendo is far too busy laughing their heads off at winning the console wars to care. The buying power of the child struck again.
*Full Disclosure: The only console I have is a Wii, I'm a sap for gimmicks

[threpac Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:13PM]

@afrovballpride

I don't know about you, but I'd rather test a service where theres not a whole lot of people. PS3 is the best console for that.

[Rican S4 Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:08PM]

will it let you search for only HD shows/movies?

[FRIZZ3L Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:13PM]

@Rican S4

That would be great!!!

[afrovballpride Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:09PM]

@bingster How have you not been banned yet? It boggles my mind.

[Cephas Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:10PM]

I've had search on my PS3 since the day I signed up for netflix (it's only been a few months). I had no idea other PS3 owners didn't have it too. Was I just in some magical, lucky beta test?

[RichardLawler Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:18PM]

@Cephas from what I could tell, it seemed like they rolled it out to people who had recently signed up a few months ago. I've been on since it launched on the 360, so at the time i didn't have it, didn't even know about it until a commenter mentioned it.

[HeeHaw Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:10PM]

Netflix watch instantly is great. However I've been doing my own tests with PS3 vs Wii and while the PS3 seems to have a cleaner picture most of the time it pixelates now and then, even with a 24MB hardwired connection. The Wii never pixelates, but the picture is slightly fuzzier.

I would really like to be able to install netflix and perhaps even store a movie on there for a few days.

[Meekermoloko Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:12PM]

@HeeHaw

I can honestly say that my 360 Netflix looks much better than my U-Verse.

[bingster Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:11PM]

@afrovballpride

Because i am a lovable person.

[TJM Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:12PM]

I really want a disc-less Netflix experience on PS3..., I'd love to leave my 360 to gaming-only, and my PS3 for Blu-rays and Netflix streaming...integrating it into the PS UI would be better too.

Nonetheless, I like that they're updating it.

[jkudlacz Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:29PM]

@TJM

Well then you are in luck. I think I am going to see at least 1000 more comments about PS3 needing a disc for Netflix before October arrives and so does Netflix App.

So just hold on for few more months, cause I promise that before October ends you shall see Netflix app at PSN Store for FREE.

[ninadd Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:28PM]

The search bar's been there for quite a while now, you just had to go one screen to the left of the Instant Queue.

[RichardLawler Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:30PM]

@ninadd read the post. not everyone had it.

[Bllrght Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:49PM]

What are you talking about Engadget? I've always had it. I didn't even know some PS3 users couldn't, let alone 360.

[cubanresourceful Posted Jul 27th 2010 7:57PM]

I've had this since I started using Netflix on my PS3. Some people didn't have this?

[rafiparrr Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:10PM]

Am I missing something here? I've been able to do this ever since I got my disc in March. Did the press just finally notice?

[ChadT84 Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:12PM]

Wow, I've had search for a couple months now. I thought everyone had it. I guess I was lucky.

[smakus Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:13PM]

And the "Most Poorly Worded Article Award" goes to...

[madcrabs Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:34PM]

I tried to tip this about a week ago, but yahoo doesn't work properly on wifi... oh well

[androidboy69 Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:45PM]

Yeah... i had this search feature for like 4 months now... am I missing something here?

[irfan Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:48PM]

what determined who that this prior? I had it earlier, and I never did anything special.

[bohalloran Posted Jul 27th 2010 8:58PM]

WTF i had the search since i got the instant stream disc

[shanklin89 Posted Jul 27th 2010 9:01PM]

i love dexter

[kj4gr Posted Jul 27th 2010 9:26PM]

Engadget is sporting a Vizio, please find a Kuro and retake the pics

[iRaNDrOiD Posted Jul 27th 2010 10:02PM]

Dexter rules bitches!