PlayStation 3 serves Netflix’s biggest audience

Sony announced today that its PlayStation 3 console is the top platform for viewing movies and television shows on Netflix on a TV.

"PS3 is our largest TV-connected platform in terms of Netflix viewing, and this year, at times, [it] even surpassed the PC in hours of Netflix enjoyment to become our number one platform overall," said Netflix chief Reed Hastings.

Netflix boasts 30 million streaming users across the globe. Hastings noted that it's popular on PS3 because the app is free (unlike on Xbox 360, where you need a Xbox Live Gold membership). Netflix can also update it daily.

The PlayStation 3 was first to offer Netflix in full 1080p resolution with 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus surround sound and other features — like on-device sign-up, audio options such as subtitles, and second screen controls post play.

Netflix also launched on the PlayStation Vita earlier this year although Nintendo was the first to put the app on a handheld gaming system before its competitors, Sony and Microsoft. It introduced the service to the 3DS last year.

While the PlayStation 3 has a better setup for Netflix than the Xbox 360, for instance, it's worth wondering how many players are simply using the console as a DVD player. I use my PS3 almost every day — but to watch Netflix, not to play games.

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[Eurogamer]