Orb Networks today at CES unveiled software that essentially turns a PlayStation 3 into an Internet TV portal. The software enables any connected Blu-ray player, including PS3s, to access movies and TV via services like Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Video on Demand.
Joe Costello, CEO of Orb Networks, describes the software as a less expensive solution than other solutions, like Google TV. “The combined cost of a Blu-ray player and Orb BR software is less expensive than most of the other Internet TV solutions, like Boxee and Google TV, while providing more capabilities. With more than eight million connected Blu-ray players and 40 million PS3 players already in homes, the market opportunity for Orb BR is huge.”
The software comes in at a reasonable $19.99 USD price tag, and has helpful features like the ability to control the service through a smartphone app or on any computer. You’ll have to download the free Orb Caster software, and/or the Orb controller app for smartphones to operate the service. Then, insert the provided disc in to your Blu-ray player or PS3, and you’ll be ready.
Orb BR supports 720p and 1080p. The Orb controller app features an easy-to-use global index of TV shows. Simply type in the name of the show you want and let Orb find it for you—you won’t need to specify where to look, it could find it in Hulu, ABC, or CBS, for instance.
The software is out late February. We’ll give you a review closer to launch.