Wii Gets Netflix Streaming This Spring, iPhone on the Horizon
Seeing as there is a dry, sunny day unfurling right outside my window, Spring can't be far away, and with it the long rumored Netflix Instant Streaming functionality creeps ever closer to Wii owners, and yes, by owners I mean me.
Truth be told, this functionality is far more than a rumor. It was in fact confirmed on the Netflix Blog back in January. Also, of course Netflix streaming is nothing new, having been available for a good long while via computer and a pretty wide array of devices, including Wii competitors Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The question has got to be though, why did this take so long? After all, with literally millions of Wiis having been sold across a very mainstream demographic in less than four years, Nintendo's device would seem the perfect hardware target. It might be that Netflix was bound by exclusivity agreements in these earlier deals, or perhaps it is that Nintendo didn't see video functionality as worth its time, considering the Wii's modest processing power, the overall limited number of titles available via the service and/or that they would not have total control. Along with possibly a little arrogance on Nintendo's part, all of these are fairly valid possibilities. What is certain though is that a large number of Netflix subscribers use the streaming service, not to replace the mail-based primary Netflix service, but as a supplement to it. Myself, I have an Xbox 360 in one room and a PS3 in another, both set up for streaming. Like the PS3, Wii owners will need a free Netflix-supplied disc that must be inserted into the drive in order to stream content. (A Netflix unlimited account of any level and a broadband connection are also required) The disc-in method is much more clumsy than those utilized by the other devices, which either were manufactured with Netflix streaming in mind or were patched with a software updates. Using the PS3 as an example, it is doubtless true that the disc method both adds a little noise to the viewing experience and uses more energy. The Wii is very energy efficient and pretty quiet though, so there should be few issues. In addition, perhaps Nintendo will get a clue and add a Netflix channel to its Wii functionality, which could eliminate the need for a disc down the road. Until then a disc will do fine.
On a side note, and perhaps something of an indicator as to why Nintendo adopted a "better late than never" attitude towards Netflix functionality, Netflix continues to forge ahead in the realm of streaming content. They recently further consolidated their relationship with Internet video content delivery specialist Akamai. Reportedly Netflix will receive a substantial per/gigabyte streamed discount in the deal, which underlines the assumption that Netflix will continue to extend its reach in the realm of content streaming. This is further seen in rumors that a deal with Apple for content deliver via the iPhone (Wi-Fi) may be in the making. If Netflix is not already at the top of the streaming heap, this would certainly get them there. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few episodes of Spartacus: Blood and Sand to catch up on via my Instant queue.
--Tom Milnes
cbs16 on March 19, 2010 at 05:44 AM
When? I have been reading all about this all over the web for the last several months. But nobody knows when.... So, I pose the question "When?".
Tom on March 19, 2010 at 11:04 AM
Hi cbs16. Very good point on the particular date. As of now the "spring" time line is the best info out there. Does that mean we are talking vaporware here? I don't think so. They have been talking about this for a good while, but since the functionality is already available through so many other pieces of hardware and the Netflix link posted (http://www.netflix.com/NRDInfo/Wii) allows you to queue up a disc to be sent to you, I think that this should happen more or less in the allotted, albeit vague, time frame presented.
Tom
Jon S on March 19, 2010 at 12:04 PM
WHEN???? Spring is way too vague.
A.W. on March 19, 2010 at 01:28 PM
i have it on my ps3, and i love it. But here are the downsides, just so we are all square with each other.
First, not everything is in streaming. That being said, there is still alot in there. You can fill up just about any evening with streaming entertainment and watch stuff you genuinely enjoy.
Second, the quality dips a little now and then. I have an HDTV and most of the time the quality is around what you see on normal TV. But when i was watching memento, the quality was pretty bad at moments, like almost what you would expect from youtube.
As for the so-called noise, i didn't notice.
i also noticed that they seem responsive to requests. for instance, my wife was born in the Phillipines and is a big sci-fi nut. So i remembered the movie Outland, and realized she probably missed that growing up overseas. but sadly it turned out it was not available at all. But it gave me an option to request it. Next thing i know, they got it, on streaming. Did i make that happen? Not sure, but take it for what its worth.
And i will say one other thing. Netflix also has a decent selection of foreign films, though they could improve in that respect. the last 3 in the queue have been Filipino films and my wife has enjoyed that. its not for me, but frankly these days i enjoy playing video games more than watching movies.
One question i have, meanwhile, is whether or not the wii can stream well using wireless, or do you need to connect it by a lan adapter?
And, btw, if you don't own any of those, there is a device you can buy that sends streaming video right into your TV. no idea how it works, though.
Ron on March 19, 2010 at 02:05 PM
You can stream NetFlix, Hulu, CBS.com, ESPN.com and others thru the Wii with a one time purchase of PlayO with no disc required. http://playon.tv
Ron on March 19, 2010 at 02:10 PM
Sorry, typo above. That's PlayOn.
Dan on March 19, 2010 at 03:58 PM
You won't get a Wii channel or a PS3 downloadable content option (i.e., no disc needed) until Microsoft's exclusivity deal ends sometime this year or next (nobody is saying how much time they bought or how big the check was).
iPad Screen protector on March 23, 2010 at 04:17 AM
I have a question that can I use my ps3 here in puerto rico to stream video from netflix. i had an accoutn on netflix and the only reason for me to reactivate it is if i can do that?
Tom on March 26, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Hi iPad Sp,
I'm not sure about Netflix streaming capabilities in Puerto Rico. I thought it was available throughout North America, which of course would then include Mexico and Canada. That of course doesn't necessarily apply to Puerto Rico though, but it might, considering its unincorporated territorial status to the US. Regardless, I'd say give it a try, especially if you already get disc sent to you.
Back on the Wii functionality. As far as I can tell, the service is up and running. I just got my Wii disc today, activated it via the Netflix Website and am good to go. Quality seems more or less the same as that through the other players too. If you are interested, send in for your disc.
Tom
video sender on March 28, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Netflix streaming is a crappy service. The video quality is just aweful unless you spend a fortune and get 20mb fiber optic running straight to your house.
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Is this only going to be in the US, or will the UK get it's own rental service?
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Rex1983 on August 16, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Make sure your internet connection is fast enough if you intend to use Netflix. High speed internet will increase your chance of a good streaming movie experience.
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