Netflix to Stream TV Episodes Via Sony Playstation

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Netflix Inc. (NFLX) and Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. said Monday they are joining forces to make movies and TV episodes from Netflix available to be streamed to televisions via the PlayStation3 game console.

Financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.

In a joint statement, the companies said Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no cost to Netflix members in the U.S. who have a PS3 system.

"The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows," said Jack Tretton, president and chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America, in the statement.

Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to Netflix members, the statement said.

Nasdaq-listed Netflix is an online movie rental service with more than 11 million subscribers. Sony Computer Entertainment America is a unit of Japan's Sony Corp. (SNE).

-By Yun-Hee Kim, Dow Jones Newswires; 852-2832-2330; yun-hee.kim@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-26-09 0052ET