Netflix streaming goes HD on Xbox 360

Netflix streaming goes HD on Xbox 360
Netflix has announced that Xbox 360 owners who are subscribers to the rental service will be the first to receive HD streaming capability for Netflix's 15,000 strong streaming library.

The feature will be added on November 19th with the launch of the "New Xbox Experience" dashboard update.



According to Steve Swasey, vice president of marketing at Netflix, 300 HD titles will be available at launch and that Microsoft is implementing a soft rollout for the service.

"As we're adding content to the site all the time, we will continue to add high-def content, but it's not the major emphasis because it is a small number in the total 12,000 [videos] available to stream,"
Swasey added.

To be able to use the service you must have an Xbox Live account and be a Netflix subscriber with a plan that costs more than $5 USD a month, the minimum.

"Netflix has been on a roll. They realize that partnerships are integral in the connected world we live in today. The HD thing is really interesting. I can see a business model emerging in the long term where they charge for the streaming. It makes sense. It's a great value add,"
added Joshua Martin, a Yankee Group analyst.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 29 Oct 2008 21:00
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  • 8 comments
  • lecsiy

    This is good news.
    I must say with everything going on with xbox's at the moment. It looks like they're going to do very very well this Christmas.

    29.10.2008 21:46 #1

  • ripxrush

    your good till u watch 4 movies & comcast cuts you off!

    29.10.2008 22:03 #2

  • xdgen84

    You can stream Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and others on your PS3 with PlayOn (all full/widescreen, no zooming needed). I wonder if that will eventually add HD options for netflix as well. Still, more options for HD content is a good thing.

    30.10.2008 10:01 #3

  • sgriesch

    Originally posted by xdgen84: You can stream Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, and others on your PS3 with PlayOn (all full/widescreen, no zooming needed). I wonder if that will eventually add HD options for netflix as well. Still, more options for HD content is a good thing.What's PlayOn? I have both the 360 and PS3, but I'm not paying for Xbox live. Have had Netflix for over 4 years now. I want to get more out of what I'm paying for.

    30.10.2008 10:49 #4

  • Oner

    HDCP is required for HD streams on the 360

    So many of us with older 360's get the "S" end of the stick because of M$'s failure to plan ahead with their design...again.

    As for streaming Netflix, Hulu, Youtube etc. all but Netflix is playable on a PS3 directly without any additional connection to your PC.

    30.10.2008 11:03 #5

  • redux79

    Quote:To be able to use the service you must have an Xbox Live account and be a Netflix subscriber with a plan that costs more than $5 USD a month, the minimum.I have the 3 at a time plan yet I don't pay extra for blu-ray rentals seeing as I don't have a blu-ray player. Am I correct in assuming that I'll be able to stream HD even if I don't have the blu-ray option included in my netflix plan?

    I doubt that you'll be able to stream 1080p most likely 1080i/720p with standard 5.1 dolby/dts so I doubt that this will be blu-ray quality, never the less I'm wondering if the two are linked.

    1.11.2008 14:00 #6

  • JOHNSTARR

    Originally posted by ripxrush: your good till u watch 4 movies & comcast cuts you off!At least comcast is generous with 4 :) that's 3 more than frontier net(dsl) and there b.s 5 gb a month :lol:

    Premium 360 Benq 1.3
    XBOX 1.4- Zenium Chipped 300 Gb Maxtor

    2.11.2008 07:03 #7

  • Spenman91

    Quote:HDCP is required for HD streams on the 360

    So many of us with older 360's get the "S" end of the stick because of M$'s failure to plan ahead with their design...again.

    As for streaming Netflix, Hulu, Youtube etc. all but Netflix is playable on a PS3 directly without any additional connection to your PC.
    I think that was "debunked", or at least thats what I found here.

    http://xbox360.consolenewsblog.com/5935-...nent-just-fine/

    2.11.2008 11:44 #8

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