Microsoft recently announced that over one million Xbox Live Gold users have downloaded the Netflix LIVE application. Sony, as always, sent out its own press release (included below) touting the PlayStation Network video store.
Sony certainly makes a strong case for its own service, especially when the press release knocks streaming video and then advertises it as a feature right below that. Seriously though, separate paid Xbox Live and Netflix subscriptions versus a free PlayStation Network experience — there’s not much of an argument there.
* Free Access/No Double Fees: Users pay a separate monthly Netflix subscription on top of an annual service fee for Xbox LIVE to access Netflix content, PlayStation Network users have free access to the content they want.
* Video Content on the Go: One of the main value propositions of the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service is the ability to transfer standard-definition content from the PS3 system to the PSP system. For one price, consumers can transfer and view certain types of content on multiple devices.
* Faster Download Speeds: In a recent experiment by MTV Multiplayer, PlayStation Network was found to be the fastest service for downloading games amongst current consoles, whether through wired or wireless connections.
* Quality HD Experiences: PlayStation Network provides HD content reliably without waiting for streaming connections that might not ever be made.
* Blu-ray and Streaming: PlayStation 3’s browser and Flash 9 support allows users to easily stream content and watch videos through internet sites on their TVs. Users can also download HD blockbuster movies from the PlayStation Store or enjoy Blu-ray movies.
* New Movie Releases: The Rocker, Swing Vote, Traitor, Max Payne (Unrated), Step Brothers, Eagle Eye, Mirrors (Unrated), Pride and Glory, Dead Space, RocknRolla, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Resident Evil: Degeneration