Video Demo: Netflix Instant Streaming on a Sony PlayStation 3

If you’re curious what the interface and experience is like with Netflix Instant Streaming on a PS3, have a look at the attached user created video. It takes a few seconds for the required disc to initiate, but the UI appears similar to other Netflix enabled products and doesn’t suffer from any noticable lag (other than when initially loading cover art or buffering a movie). [via] MORE »
Netflix Movie Streaming Announced for Sony PlayStation 3

Netflix members with Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles are going to be ecstatic to learn (it was previously thought that Netflix was exclusive to the Xbox 360 game console) that in the next month or so Netflix will begin shipping free, instant streaming Blu-ray discs to all members upon request. The disc, which leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live functionality and PS3’s XMB interface, allows members to access their Netflix Queue and select movies or TV shows for instant viewing. Users can also rate movies, read synopses, and manage the whole experience using PS3’s Wireless Controller. However, there’s a catch: PS3 owners must insert the Netflix Blu-ray disc each time they wish to use the service. MORE »
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim Unveiled, Just $299 with 120GB Hard Drive
It’s out! Hard to believe that in less than three years Sony is now unveiling a slimmer, lighter, and less power-hungry PlayStation 3. The new PS3 Slim will sell for $299 [Amazon] this September and include a larger 120GB hard drive — not bad for a combined Game Console, Blu-ray player, PC/Internet streamer device. Attached above is a video of Sony’s Jack Tretton introducing the PS3 Slim. [via] MORE »
Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 Released

Own a Logitech Harmony remote, a Sony PlayStation 3, and have $60 to spend? If you do, then you’re going to want to run down to Best Buy and pick up one of these handy IR receiving Bluetooth adapters that will give your Harmony remote the ability to operate all 51 commands the PS3 supports. With the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3, you’ll be able to control DVD / Blu-ray movie playback, navigate the XrossMediaBar (XMB), as well as power on and off your console. Really, it’s a no-brainer purchase if you own the two other devices already.
Could the Sony PlayStation 3 Be the Ultimate Boxee Platform?

I was just thinking… could the PS3 be the ultimate living room friendly platform for Boxee? If you remember at the beginning of December, Boxee announced Netflix streaming support for their platform; but, unfortunately, couldn’t get it to work consistently on the Apple TV because it was underpowered. As such, the Apple TV gets knocked out of contention as the go-to device for Boxee by most people in regards to streaming video from online content providers. Well, as you know, the PlayStation 3 is more than capable spec wise to handle streaming video – it is a Blu-ray player and game console by design. The PS3 is also a Linux PC as well, if you want to install a Linux OS on it. Being the case, one can install Ubuntu and then Boxee to get the whole shebang with full HD support and a powerful processor. Even better… I’d recommend that the Boxee team create a custom barebones Ubuntu-based installer for the PS3 that launches Boxee automatically after boot-up – so all you have to do is toggle over in the PS3 menu and launch Boxee. What do you guys think?
Aside: Now we just have to wait for Netflix to support streaming on Linux, which rumor has it will be available sometime in 2009.
PlayTV for PlayStation 3 Gets a Downgrade
Man, this sucks. The highly anticipated PlayTV DVB-T adapter that was supposed to allow PS3 users in Europe to record TV shows and transfer their recordings to memory stick, PC, or PSP has been neutered, according to Eurogamer. The device, in conjunction with the PS3, will now only “stream” live or recorded content to a PSP using Remote Play functionality. And, oh yeah… HD signal recording got nixed too (may be available in the future). Look for the emasculated PlayTV (Promo Video) this September for 69.99 GBP. MORE »
PLAYSTATION Network’s Video Delivery Service to Offer Movies and TV Shows for Purchase and TV Shows for Purchase and Rental Through PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today launches the company’s new video delivery service on PLAYSTATION®Store for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems in the United States. Consumers will have the ability to download full-length movies, television shows, and original programming accessible through the PLAYSTATION Store on PLAYSTATION®Network. With nearly 300 full length movies and more than 1,200 TV episodes, many available in both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD), PLAYSTATION Network’s video delivery service makes PS3 the ultimate entertainment platform and enhances PSP’s status as a portable entertainment marvel. PLAYSTATION Network’s video delivery service will become available later this evening. MORE »
TVersity, the Leading Solution for Accessing Media on Game Consoles, to Surpass 2M Downloads and Launch its 1.0 Version

TVersity Inc., the pioneer in enabling access to personal and Internet media on game consoles and TV connected devices, is launching today its 1.0 version and announcing that its media server software has surged past two million downloads. MORE »
Sony Group Corporate Strategy Update FY2008–FY2010: To Be the Leading Global Provider of Networked Consumer Electronics and Entertainment
Sony today presented a series of new initiatives designed to build on its previous three-year revitalization plan and to position the company as the leading global provider of networked consumer electronics and entertainment. In particular, the company will focus on strengthening core businesses, enhancing network initiatives and leveraging international growth opportunities to build for the future and drive further growth and profits. In addition, Sony announced the following key mid-term goals: MORE »
Ubicom Router Demo at CONNECTIONS 2008
[View on Blip.tv, YouTube, or Download]
Want a glimpse of the future in home networking gear? Have a look at the following router reference design from Ubicom that not only offers cutting-edge 802.11n networking, but also embeds (get this) a UPnP A/V media server, USB host, and NAS functionality! In this video, Ubicom is streaming content from an external USB drive to a PlayStation 3 via UPnP wirelessly, as well as, photos to wireless picture frames. More details about the company’s StreamEngine can be found here.

