Netflix Mac Video Streaming Begins Testing

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/27/netflix-mac-video-streaming-begins-testing/)

Netflix announced (http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/26/netflix-finally-brings-watch-instantly-to-macs-via-silverlight/) today that they have begun testing Mac video streaming to a small portion of their subscribers, and expects widespread availability by the end of the year.Netflix, Inc., the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced it has begun the deployment of Microsoft Silverlight to enhance the instant watching component of the Netflix service and to allow subscribers for the first time to watch movies and TV episodes instantly on their Intel-based Apple Macintosh computers. The deployment, which will initially touch a small percentage of new Netflix subscribers, is the first step in an anticipated roll-out of the new platform to all Netflix subscribers by the end of the year. The streaming service is based on Microsoft's Silverlight (http://www.microsoft.com/SILVERLIGHT/) technology and will only be available to Intel-based Macs. Netflix has been talking about (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/02/netflix-to-offer-mac-video-streaming-by-end-of-year/) Mac support for some time now, but appears to be on track to deliver it by year's end.

Netflix is best known for its mail-order DVD rental service but also includes unlimited video streaming with their fixed monthly plans starting at $9/month. Netflix recently (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/02/netflix-to-offer-mac-video-streaming-by-end-of-year/) expanded their content available for streaming, which also includes a number of television shows as well as movie titles.

Article Link: Netflix Mac Video Streaming Begins Testing (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/27/netflix-mac-video-streaming-begins-testing/)

[ppc_michael]

Silverlight? That's disappointing.

[SimonTheSoundMa]

If only Silverlight would work.

Silly licensing on Microsoft's part.

[iGary]

Huzzah! Finally.

[sangosimo]

Silverlight? That's disappointing.
everything I have read about silver light says it is alot more efficient and friendlier to developers than flash.

[wavelayer]

Still glad I got a Roku box. But it will be convenient to check stuff out on the mac once in a while. Now that Starz in in the game, there's quite a selection to choose from.

[pismodude2]

It's about time!!!

[Mac OS X Ocelot]

Well now I feel like crap. A month ago I told my mom, who loves her NetFlix, that she will soon be able to stream it to her Mac only to find out now that it's only for Intels. That sucks. Can someone else tell her for me? I got her hopes up so high.

[synth3tik]

Well that sucks I wait all this time only to find out I would have to install Silverlight.

That mixed with the fact the the last 6 DVDs I got were scratched makes me no like netflix anymore.

bunch of bastards.

"Sorry your disc was unplayable, we have shipped out a replacement (that is also scratched) for you"

errrr:mad:

[swingerofbirch]

Pretty cool...my parents subscribe to netflix and have a roku box that is pretty fun actually...so now i'll be able to take advantage of the service on my mac too...streaming makes a lot more sense than buying to me....have you gone to the HD gallery on Hulu...it streams beautifully in 720p and no space on my hard disk is eaten up...

[MrCrowbar]

Well now I feel like crap. A month ago I told my mom, who loves her NetFlix, that she will soon be able to stream it to her Mac only to find out now that it's only for Intels. That sucks. Can someone else tell her for me? I got her hopes up so high.

Use BootCamp. Oh wait...
Use Parallels or VMWare... damn

Face it, the PPC is getting old. A G4 Mac can't really handle H.264 or anything High Def anyway so it wouldn't be fun even trying.

[Supermacguy]

Silverlight sucks. Microsoft sucks. I won't install that to watch netflix. I'll keep on getting the DVDs.

[synth3tik]

Silverlight sucks. Microsoft sucks. I won't install that to watch netflix. I'll keep on getting the DVDs.

I like how they try and blame Apple for it all
Apple does not license their DRM solution to third parties, which has made this more difficult,

because iTunes is the only thing that can play video on a mac, besides silverlight.

[dernhelm]

Silverlight sucks. Microsoft sucks. I won't install that to watch netflix. I'll keep on getting the DVDs.

OK - you're "supermacguy" so I will cut you a little slack, but this is Apple doing, no one else's. So first off, Silverlight does not suck. Silverlight is actually a very nice developent environment. It won't ever surpass Flash for marketshare or anything, but it does have one thing that Flash and Apple's QT/iTunes do not, and that is DRM capabilities that a third party can license.

Like it or not, that is a requirement for NetFlix, and it is something that Apple could've fixed long ago - but Apple doesn't want Netflix competition on movie rentals/sales, so it isn't available.

Kudos to NetFlix for working around it with Silverlight to give Mac users a closer to first class experience. It's also a little gutsy since Silverlight is still pretty dripping wet (even on the Windows side) but they really aren't stressing the capabilities too badly here, so I bet it works OK.

[DakotaGuy]

This is a good thing no matter what software it uses. So Silverlight is made by Microsoft? Not a big deal to me. I have Office on my Mac and already have Silverlight installed. I get Blu-rays on Netflix, but for movies that are less popular I use the on-line service on my PC laptop. It works ok, but in the evenings when a lot of people are using the service it seems to bog down. I hope they address their server issues and make sure they are ready to serve a new chunk of subscribers when the Mac service goes on-line.

[wavelayer]

Well now I feel like crap. A month ago I told my mom, who loves her NetFlix, that she will soon be able to stream it to her Mac only to find out now that it's only for Intels. That sucks. Can someone else tell her for me? I got her hopes up so high.

Get her a Roku for xmas:)

[Adamo]

I like how they try and blame Apple for it all


because iTunes is the only thing that can play video on a mac, besides silverlight.
DVD Player and VLC work fine.. ;)

[commander.data]

What does Netflix on Windows currently use? I don't believe it's Silverlight since they don't list it in the requirements, maybe Flash or just WMP? If it's WMP I can understand them using Silverlight since WMP isn't available for Mac and Flip4Mac doesn't do DRM. But if it's Flash, I wonder why they don't just stick with it. Given the lack of PPC support they are probably using Silverlight 2.0 rather than Silverlight 1.0 which was PPC compatible.

[synth3tik]

DVD Player and VLC work fine.. ;)

Well DVD play is an Apple product, and VLC does not have streaming support (at least I don't think it does), however I think it was kind of weak for netflix to blame Apple. I am sure they could have gotten something done with quicker without blaming.

[Keleko]

What does Netflix on Windows currently use? I don't believe it's Silverlight since they don't list it in the requirements, maybe Flash or just WMP? If it's WMP I can understand them using Silverlight since WMP isn't available for Mac and Flip4Mac doesn't do DRM. But if it's Flash, I wonder why they don't just stick with it. Given the lack of PPC support they are probably using Silverlight 2.0 rather than Silverlight 1.0 which was PPC compatible.

They've been using WMP. Now that they're switching to Silverlight it might even work on Linux, too.

[BlairMALL]

Silverlight sucks. Microsoft sucks. I won't install that to watch netflix. I'll keep on getting the DVDs.

With Netflix you can do both! I still get the DVDs, and switch over to windows via parallels to watch online during those crazy shipping moments. It's quite cool. I don't know if Silverlight is any worse than switching over to windows to watch a film. I can't wait to watch on my mac.

Blair

[Malcster]

Well DVD play is an Apple product, and VLC does not have streaming support (at least I don't think it does), however I think it was kind of weak for netflix to blame Apple. I am sure they could have gotten something done with quicker without blaming.

VLC supports lots of streaming options.

This is due to Apple because they won't license the FairPlay DRM out to anyone, so they use Silverlights DRM functionality.

[synth3tik]

VLC supports lots of streaming options.

This is due to Apple because they won't license the FairPlay DRM out to anyone, so they use Silverlights DRM functionality.

I know Apple won't license their DRM and I am all for that, but this delay was not caused by Apple.

Finding out the VLC can stream video leaves another ave. that netflix could have taken, I just don't like that we wait this long and they say it is totally Apple fault.

[iSee]

Who cares if it uses Silverlight, as long as it works?

[Freis968]

So, the announcement seems quite vague, only a few lucky Netflix subscribers are able to do this until the end of the year when it becomes available? How do you get chosen to participate? I have been looking forward to this feature since I became a Netflix subscriber one month ago!

[137489]

DVD Player and VLC work fine.. ;)

I mostly use Quicktime and VLC (mostly VLC). VLC can handle any format, I yet to trow something and it, that it cannot handle.

VLC for my videos
itunes for my music

Looking to get a new big screen LCD for the living room, may get a mini to accompany it.

[diamond.g]

I know Apple won't license their DRM and I am all for that, but this delay was not caused by Apple.

Finding out the VLC can stream video leaves another ave. that netflix could have taken, I just don't like that we wait this long and they say it is totally Apple fault.

VLC doesn't do DRM either (AFAIK).

[zweigand]

Who cares if it uses Silverlight, as long as it works?
Bingo ...I'll use a Mac native MS product any day if it keeps me from having to boot XP in VMWare every damn time I want to watch something on Netflix.

Bring on the Silverlight!

[DaBrain]

Bingo ...I'll use a Mac native MS product any day if it keeps me from having to boot XP in VMWare every damn time I want to watch something on Netflix.

Bring on the Silverlight!

Funny how it took a Microsoft technology to bring a service to Mac. :eek:

[phasornc]

First of all there's nothing wrong with Silverlight. Netflix must be using Silverlight 2.0 which is Intel only, that's no big deal, since Apple already implicitly gave the "Intel only" okay when they announced Snow Leopard was Intel only.

Back to Silverlight, Silverlight is fine. I've been watchin MLBtv from mlb.com all year hooked up to my 50" Samsung LED dlp tv and it's been awesome. You figured Netflix had to go with Flash 10/Adobe Media Player or Silverlight and they chose the one that has been "proven".

I don't know why people are dissing it so much it's a VERY small download, it installs easily, and "IT WORKS". Except when MLBtv servers collapsed under load on the last day of the regular season when the Mets, Brewers, White Sox, and Twins were all fighting to get into the playoffs, Silverlight performed just fine.

Now if Blockbuster/MovieLink would get on board with decent cross-platform solution, I could get rid of my windows partition. Blockbuster/MovieLink has way more movies rentals available for rent than iTunes, but their reliance on windows media player really sucks. Perhaps Silverlight will provide a transition strategy for them.

[SydneyDev]

iTunes for the win!

[thecrackerjack]

Will this be available in Canada?

[ChrisNH]

I'm pleased to hear this. It's a battle to get the player to work on a PC; you have to go through endless gyrations installing upgrades and patches to WMP; I Googled the problem to death looking for answers to questions. I expect the Mac incarnation to 'simply work.' That's the biggest advantage Mac has over the PC: Things simply work.

[glennp]

Funny how it took a Microsoft technology to bring a service to Mac. :eek:

Funnier that it was Microsoft's proprietary DRM that MS refuses to make available for Macs that precluded the service to begin with. Now MS gets paid twice (once for the WMV version and once for the Silverlight version) by Netflix distribute online movies.

Going with a company that offers a solution that can only support some of you potential customers than paying that company again to support the rest seems a bit on the "fool me once..." side of things. But it is nice to see the service be available to Mac users. The cynic in me is waiting for the rub however. :(

[Roessnakhan]

First of all there's nothing wrong with Silverlight. Netflix must be using Silverlight 2.0 which is Intel only, that's no big deal, since Apple already implicitly gave the "Intel only" okay when they announced Snow Leopard was Intel only.

Back to Silverlight, Silverlight is fine. I've been watchin MLBtv from mlb.com all year hooked up to my 50" Samsung LED dlp tv and it's been awesome. You figured Netflix had to go with Flash 10/Adobe Media Player or Silverlight and they chose the one that has been "proven".

I don't know why people are dissing it so much it's a VERY small download, it installs easily, and "IT WORKS". Except when MLBtv servers collapsed under load on the last day of the regular season when the Mets, Brewers, White Sox, and Twins were all fighting to get into the playoffs, Silverlight performed just fine.

Now if Blockbuster/MovieLink would get on board with decent cross-platform solution, I could get rid of my windows partition. Blockbuster/MovieLink has way more movies rentals available for rent than iTunes, but their reliance on windows media player really sucks. Perhaps Silverlight will provide a transition strategy for them.

Finally, a sound voice of reason in this thread.

[jmerk]

...and figure out a way to combine AppleTV and the Mini and make HD (real HD) movies available so I don't have to buy stuff from other vendors!

i'm probably the only person in the US who has an HD tv with rabbit ears because i don't use it for television-i use my tv for movies but i've been waiting for an excellent medium for HD.

i don't want to spend $300 on a PS3 just so I can watch HD movies. the thing is, everyone that is waiting for Blu-Ray on any consumer Mac can forget it. it is not in Apple's interest to support physical media-they want you to buy stuff through iTunes. i'm sorry Steve Jobs but movies aren't like music, i don't WANT to own every movie that i've rented-give me a subscription model, give me true HD, and give me the ability to use internet apps with this device and i'll give you the money for the device AND the subscription and Netflix/Microsoft gets nothing.

or, keep dragging your heels and giving me no choice but to go with Netflix...either way.

jm

[eggs]

The issue on the Mac was using movie studio approved DRM, not which video player to use.

[neverni]

I hope that Netflix will soon stream through XBOX. They have it announced for the end of 2008.

[nbs2]

First of all there's nothing wrong with Silverlight. Netflix must be using Silverlight 2.0 which is Intel only, that's no big deal, since Apple already implicitly gave the "Intel only" okay when they announced Snow Leopard was Intel only.

Of course. I was trying to figure out why I had no problem running Silverlight on my PPC and yet Netflix would deem me unworthy. Now it all makes sense. I do wonder though - is there anything inherent to the PPC that would make 2.0 support development prohibitively expensive, or is it just a time-money issue?

Plus, it doesn't help that they last time I checked the Silverlight page was a month or so ago while it was still in beta. Good to see that development is continually progressing.

[riversky]

Silverlight has the quality and most importantly the DRM capabilities that Netflix and the movie studios required.

It is actually a very efficient and high quality plug in for safari.

For those that bash MS. Well they released a Mac version right with Windows. If not there would be no Netflix on a Mac PERIOD! Thanks Microsoft!

[zorinlynx]

I think the reason why many Mac users are annoyed at this is that Microsoft seems to have to stick their grubby fingers in EVERYTHING, and companies always seem to side with Microsoft when it comes to streaming audio and video.

For instance: Nearly all online-only radio stations use Shoutcast/Icecast to broadcast. The only thing you need to play those streams is either iTunes or Quicktime on the Mac, XMMS on other UNIX-like systems, and Winamp on Windows. This is awesome, reliable, and just works.

However, commercial radio stations almost always send out their Internet streams with WMA. The result is you have to use kludgy ways of playing the stream on non-Windows platforms: Flip4Mac on Macs, and mplayer with closed-source libraries on Linux.

It just always seems that way. Smaller, independant companies tend to find non-Microsoft ways of doing things that work for everyone, bigger companies side with the beast.

I hate being forced to use a Microsoft product to use a service. Companies should embrace open standards. They tend to work better and there's no lock-in.

Even streaming Quicktime is more open than Microsoft Silverlight. You can play with with VLC, which is open source.

It's not so much that it doesn't work; a lot of us are just pissed at seeing MS's name stamped on everything when we spend so much time trying to get away from it.

[slackpacker]

Whats so wrong with Silverlight? It seems to work great for me when I have had to deal with using it.

[JitteryJimmy]

Netflix is an awesome service, but they do seem a bit behind the times with streaming technology.

They're just getting around to a Mac-capable service, years late. And yet there is no mention of an iPhone-compatible service.

If they were on top of their tech game, they'd be there already.

Don't get me wrong - NetFlix has an awesome service, and they are truly innovators in terms of mailing DVDs around and on-line queue management. But their streaming tech is most certainly 2nd class.

[koala]

My dual processor G5 PowerMac is still a rockin' machine. This rapidly-approaching enforced (and untimely) obsolescence is really starting to annoy me.

[milo]

Great news, but they REALLY need to include appleTV as well. Streaming would be great but I don't want to have to move my mac next to the TV.

Anyone heard if there's a way to get in on the testing?

[Robort]

So, the announcement seems quite vague, only a few lucky Netflix subscribers are able to do this until the end of the year when it becomes available? How do you get chosen to participate? I have been looking forward to this feature since I became a Netflix subscriber one month ago!

I called and asked - it's a random rollout, in stages, and there's no way to be added to a waiting list, so we just have to wait out turn.

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

This sucks. I have been using Netflix for 5 years and am pissed that I can't play movies on my Mac. Guess what I still cant.

[weeag]

Are any of ya'll one the special ones to get access to instant viewing on the mac? I can't access it - any comments on speed, quality, etc...?

[dacreativeguy]

Silverlight sucks. Microsoft sucks. I won't install that to watch netflix. I'll keep on getting the DVDs.

I hear that Microsoft is starting a $100M ad campaign to improve the perception of Silverlight. So we should all feel better about it soon.

[minik]

I just re-subscribed Netflix days ago. Fired up VMware Fusion and checked out the streaming movie titles, there ain't many available. So far, I don't see the movie streaming that valuable, I will stick with the DVD/BR delivery method.

[Ugg]

I called and asked - it's a random rollout, in stages, and there's no way to be added to a waiting list, so we just have to wait out turn.

Well, I just checked my account and I'm not on the list. I wonder what their criteria are, I'm sure it's not totally random. Oh well, only another month or two before it's offered to everyone.

[DaBrain]

I just re-subscribed Netflix days ago. Fired up VMware Fusion and checked out the streaming movie titles, there ain't many available. So far, I don't see the movie streaming that valuable, I will stick with the DVD/BR delivery method.

Try looking under the STARZ category. There's many titles and there's no extra charge for their streaming service. For the price I think it's decent.

For those that want the latest and greatest movies, then order their discs, get an Apple TV or sub to Blockbuster! Or go to the local video store--)))

I have found plenty of choice on netflix and a pretty good bang for the buck. ;)

[sleepingworker]

Well that sucks I wait all this time only to find out I would have to install Silverlight.

That mixed with the fact the the last 6 DVDs I got were scratched makes me no like netflix anymore.

bunch of bastards.

"Sorry your disc was unplayable, we have shipped out a replacement (that is also scratched) for you"

errrr:mad:

Call them. Tell them about the number of scratched discs you've received. They will probably give you a month free. They were very cool when I complained about receiving some cracked disks. Good luck.

[techmonkey]

How are they choosing people to test this? How does Netflix know what subscribers have a Mac?

Netflix rocks, in a couple of weeks my Xbox 360 will be able to stream Netflix and now my Mac by the end of the year :)

[plumbingandtech]

YAY!!!

Looking forward to this!
:D

[840quadra]

I don't tend to rent videos (I do here and there), but competition will help push down the prices on such services, and push technology in both video encoding, and ISPs to higher levels.

I highly doubt I will give it a try anytime soon, as I am not a fan of silverlight (nothing against Microsoft, I make a good living supporting their products) or flash video for the most part. I am fine with it for YouTube and such, but don't like what I have seen from Silverlight (though the process of encoding the content I have seen could have been bad) or flash, with regards to me actually paying to watch the content.

http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165206282&type=profile

[NorCalLights]

Silverlight sucks. Microsoft sucks. I won't install that to watch netflix. I'll keep on getting the DVDs.

Silverlight is sometimes hit-or-miss, but in my experience it is far from terrible.

The MLB.TV live streams are often disappointing, but I watched the live HD feed from the Democratic Conventions and it was crystal clear, ran without a hitch, and looked AMAZING on my 24" LCD computer monitor.

[DaBrain]

How are they choosing people to test this? How does Netflix know what subscribers have a Mac?

Netflix rocks, in a couple of weeks my Xbox 360 will be able to stream Netflix and now my Mac by the end of the year :)

I think they will do it the same way when they first started the roll out to PC Streaming. Not sure exactly what they base it on. But, they just start sending it out to a few, then more, then more and so on. I remember when the PC version came out, I only had to wait a few weeks and Boom one day it was available to me. I think that's just the way it's going to be now for the mac. Perhaps there doing it this way to limit band width server overloads?

I did call them this morning and the very nice lady I spoke to checked and said she's in the same boat and there's no list to get on in order to beta test or get it early.

Were going to have to just sit tight and wait! ;)

[137489]

...
i'm probably the only person in the US who has an HD tv with rabbit ears....
jm

Um nope. I have a 15'' LCD HD TV in my bedroom (and will be buying a 40" or 42" one for the living room shortly).

I use rabbit ears. No Cable on my street (they consider me too rural, because I am on the county line, yet 3 miles down the street in the other 2 counties I boarder on have cable). I got rid of Satellite a few years ago, after 8 years of having it - Dish network was crying and they kept calling me trying anything to get me back. the lower packages don't have all the channels I would watch and I am not paying about $100/month for 300+ channels when I only watch maybe 5 of them. I told them, get ala-cart programming where I can pick the channels I want, and only charge the $3 per channel, like you do for add ons, and we shall see. Until then - noway.

Now with some stations already broadcasting digital and with digital sub-channels - I now pick up more programming, looks better than satellite too.

Hence why I may pickup another mini later this year. with all the tv shows and such being available on the internet - I probably will not go back to satellite.

[Maxington]

Silverlight on a Mac has been effective but not preferred.

[plumbingandtech]

How are they choosing people to test this? How does Netflix know what subscribers have a Mac?

Netflix rocks, in a couple of weeks my Xbox 360 will be able to stream Netflix and now my Mac by the end of the year :)

They prob. print out a list of mac / safari users in the db and then throw darts at it.

I hope they throw a dart at me.

[Micrll]

This is good news in my opinion, but I have a question about netflix. If my parents were to get it back home and use the physical DVD's could I access the streaming portion of the site here at school, my parents won't use the streaming portion I'm sure because of the lack of a roku box or a computer hooked up to a TV.

[quixotic]

I stopped subscribing to cable about 5 years ago, we only have Netflix and an antenna. If I ever run out of discs, I stream with VMware, and cable out to a 42" Plasma.

What I really wish netflix would do, would be to allow me to download/buffer a higher res. movie, rather than limit me by my connection. There is a hack to do this, but it's pretty convoluted.

[jmerk]

by shervieux
"Hence why I may pickup another mini later this year. with all the tv shows and such being available on the internet - I probably will not go back to satellite."

EXACTLY! i have been crying for an a la carte service for cable/satellite forever-not happening. BUT, you mentioned the Mini and and what i'm saying is Apple really needs to combine the Mini and Apple TV and give us true HD content in a subscription model. great, i can watch tv shows on the web with a computer. do i want to haul my laptop down stairs (from my office) plug it in, et cetera to watch a few shows? no. ugghh...

i'd rather have an internet connected box that is small and could fit comfortably in the living room with the tv that could stream my iTunes library to the stereo, show photos of my son to my fam when they come over, and play HD movies that i can subscribe to on a monthly basis-give me that!

glad to know that i'm not the only one on rabbit ears...:)

jm

[ltldrummerboy]

I think Silverlight is great. In my experience, it's been much more efficient than Flash.

[jmerk]

by quixotic:
What I really wish netflix would do, would be to allow me to download/buffer a higher res. movie, rather than limit me by my connection. There is a hack to do this, but it's pretty convoluted.

true that!

this is why i think Apple is blowing it. they could offer a subscription for movie rentals and if you wanted the higher res. file that you could then buffer or download overnight, etc. people that actually care about quality understand that our internet speeds hamper some of this stuff but if it's important, will wait for it.

hell, i'd even pay a small upgrade price if they offered high res movies on an a la carte basis. do i want the latest chick flick in true HD? hells no! do i want "The Dark Knight"? hells, yeah!

then, if you want to buy a movie, same scenario applies...

hello? anyone? Apple? Steve? anyone? Steve Jobs?

jm

[sanity]

The DRM thing sounds like a big excuse from Netflix. Amazon has had streaming via Flash on both Macs and PCs (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200238930&#browser) for a while now.

I don't watch movies on my Mac though, so I'll be using the xbox version when it comes out in a few weeks.

[darwinian]

I won't be getting the new Netflix unless it has FireWire. Oh wait ...

Didn't NBC use Silverlight for the Olympics this summer? The quality was stellar. So, is anyone's account enabled yet? Mine's not.

[Diode]

I want it for the Apple TV!!!!!!!!

[aduteau]

On a side note ... does anyone know if us Canadians can Stream on our Macs or PC's some Netflix movies or TV shows ... or is it just for Americains ?

[aduteau]

I want it for the Apple TV!!!!!!!!

They are maybe looking into putting it on Boxee (its a major request right now) so maybe you gonna get it on AppleTV :)

[bwshockley]

So, the announcement seems quite vague, only a few lucky Netflix subscribers are able to do this until the end of the year when it becomes available? How do you get chosen to participate? I have been looking forward to this feature since I became a Netflix subscriber one month ago!

+1 on that! I want to be chosen. I don't like the fact they are doing it for new subscribers...I've been a Netflix subscriber for more than 5 years now...and I've been very patiently waiting for streaming on my Mac to occur. It's my turn dang it!

[DARKJ3DI]

Will this be available in all countries?

[bwshockley]

by shervieux
glad to know that i'm not the only one on rabbit ears...:)

jm

I've been on rabbit ears for over a year now. I went from a nice HD DVR service to nothing but rabbit ears (no DVR). I've saved alot of money and more importantly...time. hehe. Sure, I miss being able to watch TV shows on demand, but I found myself watching less TV now. I know I could get a eyeTV hybrid and record shows, but I don't want to deal with my laptop doing that...now if I had money for a mini with eyetv...maybe.

[mac-savant]

I have no problem with Netflix choosing Silverlight. It works and the Microsoft marketing people sell it very well.

I am pissed at Microsoft, and you should be as well.

Why the ƒÚçX did they bother to make a version 1.0 for PPC if they weren't going to make a 2.0?

I believe this is a reversion back to the Microsoft that we all know and love. Promise cross-platform capabilities for their shiny new product, then slowly weed out the non-Windows support.

I would not be surprised at all if Silverlight 3.0 doesn't support the Mac at all.

[jettredmont]

Now with some stations already broadcasting digital and with digital sub-channels - I now pick up more programming, looks better than satellite too.

Hence why I may pickup another mini later this year. with all the tv shows and such being available on the internet - I probably will not go back to satellite.

I don't have rabbit ears (too addicted to time shifting, and not willing to jump into a DVR solution for HD just yet), but am getting all "TV" content through the internet. We had been using an old G4 PowerBook hooked up to the TV (and still do for a few sites like NickJR for the kids), but since we put Boxee on our AppleTV we've been watching Hulu, CBS, and YouTube through that instead of the computer.

I'd love for Apple to put Hulu/etc support directly in the AppleTV. However, there's a major hitch there: they need to go all-out with it and make it "great" support, not half-assed like their built-in YouTube support!

Until then, I think Boxee is the way to go for TV content. For movies: I'd subscribe to NetFlix if they offered downloadable movies through Boxee. I doubt it would happen, but that would be great. Streaming HD isn't a very good idea (too many bits, too little processing power in the AppleTV, etc), but downloadable time-limited versions like what Apple does would be really nice. In the meantime, I'm happy enough with either renting from Apple or (more likely) hopping over to the Blockbuster on the corner and picking up a (non-HD) disk.

[aduteau]

Will this be available in all countries?

Yes someone please tell us if this service is only for Americains or if you can stream and subscribe anywhere in the world

[jmerk]

I've been on rabbit ears for over a year now. I went from a nice HD DVR service to nothing but rabbit ears (no DVR). I've saved alot of money and more importantly...time. hehe. Sure, I miss being able to watch TV shows on demand, but I found myself watching less TV now. I know I could get a eyeTV hybrid and record shows, but I don't want to deal with my laptop doing that...now if I had money for a mini with eyetv...maybe.

bw: hah! the no tv watchers are coming out of the woodwork. time/money savers unite! (i'm NOT knocking the TV watchers, i'm envying:)

now if Apple would just combine the Mini and the AppleTV with a subscription model, i'd throw down some dough for that...

[Robort]

Yes someone please tell us if this service is only for Americains or if you can stream and subscribe anywhere in the world

Netflix accounts are available only for USians and they block Watch Instantly streaming to IP addresses outside the US, but people report that if you have an account you can use a proxy for (slow) external viewing...

[Westside guy]

Now if Apple will just update the Mini, I'll be ready to roll my own combo player... :D

I'd get an Apple TV, but until/unless they add a DVD player (which probably won't happen) there's no point - I don't need YABConT (Yet Another Box Connected to my Television). With a Mini you've got a DVD player, you can rent from iTunes, thanks to Perian you can play most any format through Quicktime, etc. AND you could hook up a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, if you wanted.

[aduteau]

Netflix accounts are available only for USians and they block Watch Instantly streaming to IP addresses outside the US, but people report that if you have an account you can use a proxy for (slow) external viewing...

OMG it sucks to be Canadian ... No netflix .... no Hulu ... no nothing

[JPark]

...and figure out a way to combine AppleTV and the Mini and make HD (real HD) movies available so I don't have to buy stuff from other vendors!

i'm probably the only person in the US who has an HD tv with rabbit ears because i don't use it for television-i use my tv for movies but i've been waiting for an excellent medium for HD.

i don't want to spend $300 on a PS3 just so I can watch HD movies. the thing is, everyone that is waiting for Blu-Ray on any consumer Mac can forget it. it is not in Apple's interest to support physical media-they want you to buy stuff through iTunes. i'm sorry Steve Jobs but movies aren't like music, i don't WANT to own every movie that i've rented-give me a subscription model, give me true HD, and give me the ability to use internet apps with this device and i'll give you the money for the device AND the subscription and Netflix/Microsoft gets nothing.

or, keep dragging your heels and giving me no choice but to go with Netflix...either way.

jm

I'm right there with you using rabbit ears, as well as wishing apple would give me a subscription model similar to what Netflix is offering. I've held off from getting a Netflix subscription solely because they didn't stream to Macs. As soon as that barrier is removed (and assuming Apple hasn't provided something comparable) I'm jumping on board.

[JPark]

Now if Apple will just update the Mini, I'll be ready to roll my own combo player... :D

I'd get an Apple TV, but until/unless they add a DVD player (which probably won't happen) there's no point - I don't need YABConT (Yet Another Box Connected to my Television). With a Mini you've got a DVD player, you can rent from iTunes, thanks to Perian you can play most any format through Quicktime, etc. AND you could hook up a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, if you wanted.

And if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can skip the bluetooth keyboard and mouse and just get the AirMouse App. It has both. I haven't tried it yet (I'm waiting to get a new tv before getting a mini) but it looks pretty cool.

[FoxyKaye]

Silverlight doesn't thrill me, nor does the exclusion of my G5 iMac. But Apple itself is likely going to kill off PPC with Snow Leopard, and we can still watch on my partner's C2D iMac. Haven't really followed the whole debate on why it took Netflix so long to accomplish this, nor why they're using Silverlight. But hey, it will be working by the end of the year, and that's happy enough for me.

[quixotic]

... I believe this is a reversion back to the Microsoft that we all know and love. Promise cross-platform capabilities for their shiny new product, then slowly weed out the non-Windows support.

I would not be surprised at all if Silverlight 3.0 doesn't support the Mac at all.

Yeah, I hadn't thought about that, though I am glad they don't burden web developers with mac IE anymore. Personally I'm more apt to adopt tech from companies that are more platform agnostic, than from those that have a stake in a particular OS or hardware, Apple included.

[econoline06]

holy freaking crap, it is not that hard to stream video to a Mac! Just use a freaking standard not some proprietary bullcrap.

[econoline06]

Yeah, I hadn't thought about that, though I am glad they don't burden web developers with mac IE anymore. Personally I'm more apt to adopt tech from companies that are more platform agnostic, than from those that have a stake in a particular OS or hardware, Apple included.

IE sucks. I work for a government agency and conduct risk assessment/vulnerability testing. Nearly 80% of the securities holes we have to deal with are IE related. Real IT managers know how badly Microsoft sucks.

[Huracan]

OMG it sucks to be Canadian ... No netflix .... no Hulu ... no nothing

The problem is not being Canadian, the problem is being Canadian on the "wrong" side of the border ;)

[aduteau]

The problem is not being Canadian, the problem is being Canadian on the "wrong" side of the border ;)

lol
true :cool:

[RedTomato]

Do the Netflix streams carry subtitles?

If not, there might be some questions over disability access, especially as 99% of the source material already has subtitles.

In the UK, the BBC is slowly spreading subtitles across its iPlayer streaming TV service (still a few issues with the UI, e.g. you can't search for which programs contain subtitles).

Used to be a Netflix member - if they bring streaming dvds with subtitles to the UK I would seriously consider rejoining.

[quixotic]

IE sucks. I work for a government agency and conduct risk assessment/vulnerability testing. Nearly 80% of the securities holes we have to deal with are IE related. Real IT managers know how badly Microsoft sucks.

Don't even get me started. To say I loath IE would be an understatement. Though most of my woes are more from a standards viewpoint. In that regard I'm already annoyed that MS has completely ignored SVG standards in Silverlight for no apparent reason.

They have a tendency to pointlessly make life more difficult for developers. I'm glad Netflix will be offering "watch instantly" to mac users, but I seriously wish they would've chosen something other than Silverlight to do it.

[k2spitfire88]

I have no problem with Netflix choosing Silverlight. It works and the Microsoft marketing people sell it very well.

I am pissed at Microsoft, and you should be as well.

Why the ƒÚçX did they bother to make a version 1.0 for PPC if they weren't going to make a 2.0?

I believe this is a reversion back to the Microsoft that we all know and love. Promise cross-platform capabilities for their shiny new product, then slowly weed out the non-Windows support.

I would not be surprised at all if Silverlight 3.0 doesn't support the Mac at all.

I disagree. When Apple announced that they were not supporting PPC in Snow Leopard, they gave the go ahead for anyone else developing for the Mac platform to ignore PPC. While it sucks that we have to use M$ crap, i think that non PPC everything is simply a short time away (as apple wants you to buy new computers), so, Silverlight 2.0 being non PPC is no surprise to me.

[BillyBobBongo]

everything I have read about silver light says it is alot more efficient and friendlier to developers than flash.

Yeah (as a long time Flash user) I've gotta say that Silverlight has the upperhand in the realms of video streaming. The Euro2008 site from FIFA put together a great interface of both Flash (for web content) and Silverlight (for video). One day I might lower my standards and look into how it works! :p

[GripperDon]

I know Apple won't license their DRM and I am all for that, but this delay was not caused by Apple.

Finding out the VLC can stream video leaves another ave. that netflix could have taken, I just don't like that we wait this long and they say it is totally Apple fault.

Do you ever just talk about the subject without getting int the apple love, I have Mc;s and PC and both are very usable and that is all that matters, I don't select which to use on the basis of the LoGo.

[quixotic]

everything I have read about silver light says it is alot more efficient and friendlier to developers than flash.

I'm still not a fan of Silverlight, but MS did get one thing right by allowing users to code with Ruby, Python, and possibly PHP and Perl in addition to their .NET languages.

[darwinian]

Do the Netflix streams carry subtitles?

If not, there might be some questions over disability access, especially as 99% of the source material already has subtitles.

In the UK, the BBC is slowly spreading subtitles across its iPlayer streaming TV service (still a few issues with the UI, e.g. you can't search for which programs contain subtitles).

Used to be a Netflix member - if they bring streaming dvds with subtitles to the UK I would seriously consider rejoining.

The subtitles question is a good one -- I don't think they do currently, or they didn't seem to last time I checked a month ago. But I may have just missed them. I am sure they're working on it, in any case.

[i4k20c]

what about us power pc users?

what happened to a time when Power PC was respected in the apple community, now it's like the ppc world is being spat on; i ask you, would you spit on your grandfathers?

[McKs]

I'm still not a fan of Silverlight, but MS did get one thing right by allowing users to code with Ruby, Python, and possibly PHP and Perl in addition to their .NET languages.

yeah, only problem is that almost all video content creation is done on Macs, and guess what MS isn't bringing to the Mac?
The only way to author Silverlight content is to use MS's Expression Studio or Visual Studio.net, both of which MS is not going to bring to the Mac.

[quixotic]

what about us power pc users?

what happened to a time when Power PC was respected in the apple community, now it's like the ppc world is being spat on; i ask you, would you spit on your grandfathers?


Yes. Yes I would. I'd spit, and make all kinds of various rude gestures. Now if gramps was a cell processor...;)

[bucksatan731]

wonder what this means for streaming to appletv?

[paduck]

I think Apple should take a little tiny bit of the $20+ billion it has sitting in the bank and just go and "incentivize" Netflix to put this thing on Apple and Apple TV.

This isn't too much competition with iTunes store and, probably, Netflix has a bigger library. Why not latch into the Netflix market penetration and use it to drive Apple TV sales. Some of those are coming back to Apple, plus I'm sure they can come up with a profitable sharing arrangement with Netflix. Then it's one less box you have to hook to your TV...

[quixotic]

yeah, only problem is that almost all video content creation is done on Macs, and guess what MS isn't bringing to the Mac?
The only way to author Silverlight content is to use MS's Expression Studio or Visual Studio.net, both of which MS is not going to bring to the Mac.

Excellent point. One of the reasons I like Android, is not only did Google make SDK's for every platform, they also didn't force some proprietary environment on developers. I was pretty impressed that they even wrote a plugin for Eclipse (open source JAVA based IDE, that lots of people, me included, use).

[sprice25]

i cant wait for this. i tried using parallels for this and it did not work. i tried it with xp and vista, no luck. i'm running an 8-core mac pro which this should not have been a problem for it. i got vmare fusion now and it works great for netflix watch instantly, running xp sp3. works like a charm. it will be nice once it is compatible with Mac's. Wonder if it will be compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch any time soon?

[JackAxe]

Who cares if it uses Silverlight, as long as it works?

Think back to Windows Media Player under OS X. If you're familiar with this abomination and MS's utter lack of quality control and effort to make it run right, you'll have one example of why Silverlight under OS X is potentially not a good thing.

[AidenShaw]

I will stick with the DVD/BR delivery method.

What's BR? ;)

I thought that Netflix did DVD and BD (Blu-ray Disc) rentals.

[quixotic]

Think back to Windows Media Player under OS X. If you're familiar with this abomination and MS's utter lack of quality control and effort to make it run right, you'll have one example of why Silverlight under OS X is potentially not a good thing.

Yep. Every software product from MS (at least that I've used), that was available for Mac worked differently than it did on PC's. Some, like Excel, still can't even open certain xls files created on PC (i.e no VBA support). Nowadays, if you want to view WMV, on Mac even MS suggests you use a third party app. How's that for support?

It's not that I don't like MS. I do. Competition is good. In fact I'm really pleased that MS seems to finally be aggressive about complying with W3C standards in IE8. It's just that when it comes to most applications, I agree, they have a lousy track record on any platform other than Windows.

[Porco]

Having the words 'Microsoft' and 'media' and 'DRM' in the same sentence rarely ends up in happy fun times for everyone. Good luck to anyone who wants to use this, but I don't think it's a good thing.

[darwinian]

Having the words 'Microsoft' and 'media' and 'DRM' in the same sentence rarely ends up in happy fun times for everyone. Good luck to anyone who wants to use this, but I don't think it's a good thing.

To all: not sure what's 'bad' about it -- considering that the closed source argument is killed by our use of OS X, if MS Silverlight technology makes Netflix all warm and fuzzy to allow Macs to stream, and it works, what's the problem?

[hayesk]

To all: not sure what's 'bad' about it -- considering that the closed source argument is killed by our use of OS X, if MS Silverlight technology makes Netflix all warm and fuzzy to allow Macs to stream, and it works, what's the problem?

Because I don't trust Microsoft. If Silverlight gets entrenched in the market place, do you think MS will be so forthcoming with Mac updates? No, Mac users will be left behind. MS has done this in the past and they'll do it in the future.

[twoodcc]

well i'm glad to see this, even though it uses silverlight. oh well, something is better than nothing

[darwinian]

Because I don't trust Microsoft. If Silverlight gets entrenched in the market place, do you think MS will be so forthcoming with Mac updates? No, Mac users will be left behind. MS has done this in the past and they'll do it in the future.

I'm trying to think of an example of this from MS - can you remind me of one? It did take them awhile to make the right move with WMP, but Flip has worked fine since it came out. For some reason, that didn't take a terrible toll on me then. I think they've actually demonstrated that Mac is important to them, with Office, etc.

[Westside guy]

I'm trying to think of an example of this from MS - can you remind me of one?

Internet Explorer came to mind almost immediately. :D

[Westside guy]

The problem is not being Canadian, the problem is being Canadian on the "wrong" side of the border ;)

C'mon - Canada is a myth. Like Valhalla, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter bunny. :p

[quixotic]

I'm trying to think of an example of this from MS - can you remind me of one? It did take them awhile to make the right move with WMP, but Flip has worked fine since it came out. For some reason, that didn't take a terrible toll on me then. I think they've actually demonstrated that Mac is important to them, with Office, etc.

Yes, but bear in mind Flip4Mac is from Telestream, not MS. MS EOL'd WMP for Mac while continuously rolling out new versions for Windows. They also killed IE for Mac, and just recently dropped VB support for Mac Office.

The fact that MS has developed for Mac, and that they continue to is promising, but they are a bit capricious about it. Will Silverlight for Mac end up like WMP, with MS either dropping it or releasing versions far behind those for Windows?

[Snowy_River]

i cant wait for this. i tried using parallels for this and it did not work. i tried it with xp and vista, no luck. i'm running an 8-core mac pro which this should not have been a problem for it. i got vmare fusion now and it works great for netflix watch instantly, running xp sp3. works like a charm. it will be nice once it is compatible with Mac's. Wonder if it will be compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch any time soon?

I wonder what the difficulty you're having is. I've been able to run it under Parallels with no problems on my MBP (2.5GHz C2D). It's actually been nice to have access to the instant view, even if it does mean leaning on Windows a little bit.

While I understand the trepidation of using a Microsoft media tool, for Netflix it was either that or develop their own DRM protocol, and I can guaranty you they weren't interested in the Mac market enough to do that. IMHO, if Apple was serious about providing better service to developers, they could create a version of FairPlay DRM that could be licensed, while still keeping the primary version completely proprietary, thus providing higher security for their own downloads while still providing another option to developers vs. going to Microsoft (or trying to create their own).

In any event, Silverlight seems to be the only game in town for Netflix, so we can hardly complain about using it, unless we're willing to go without Netflix instant view. And, if that's the case, then why complain at all? Why not just ignore this announcement altogether?

C'mon - Canada is a myth. Like Valhalla, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter bunny. :p

"During the mid-evil times, people put on morality plays about ghosts, goblins, virgins, and other mythical creatures." (Quote from an actual student essay)

So should Canadians be included there, too? :D

[xDYLANx]

i'm not sure if anybody has brought this up, but when netflix started showing ads with the instant watch feature...they were using macs. just thought i'd point that out.:)

[HappyDude20]

When Will This Feature Indeed Become Available?

I called Netflix today hoping to become a part of their beta testing but they tell me its random to mainly only new netflix subscribers. Does this mean if I cancel my account and reactivate it I can get it too?

If not...

...How Long Must I Wait?

I told my pops and he's stoked about it! We both don't wanna wait.

[ibosie]

Think back to Windows Media Player under OS X. If you're familiar with this abomination and MS's utter lack of quality control and effort to make it run right, you'll have one example of why Silverlight under OS X is potentially not a good thing.

I agree but Apple needs some competition otherwise Mr Jobs will just line his wallet rather than provide what customers actually want - this is becoming ever more apparent as the Mac's superiority grows. What we need of course is a film library similar to iTunes Plus, DRM free and high quality. Whoever does this first will win over the entire market.

[doemel]

Nothing wrong with Silverlight. In fact, I'm all for anyone competing with Adobe these days, even more so if they carry a real market weight like Microsoft. Adobe is the new Microsoft.

[AidenShaw]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10076949-93.html?tag=mncol

Microsoft, Akamai team up on high-def video streams
Posted by Dawn Kawamoto

Microsoft and Akamai Technologies are teaming up on high-definition video streaming efforts for PCs, the companies said Tuesday.

Akamai plans to release a beta service, AdaptiveEdge Streaming for Microsoft Silverlight, early next year to select media customers. It will run on Windows Server 2008 with Microsoft's Silverlight media player.

The move comes as broadband increasingly becomes a fixture in homes and as consumer expectations grow for smooth-running video on PCs. The clarity of HD images is also ramping up in consumer interest in video on PCs.

Microsoft will bring its new Web server technology, Internet Information Services 7.0 Smooth Streaming (IIS7.0), to the table. It is designed to let people view video streams with instant start-up times and without the play-and-pause jerkiness that can come with buffering. The technology aims to provide smooth streaming video by making real-time adjustments to changes in connectivity speeds.

Akamai plans to market the service to media companies worldwide. It will eventually become a feature of the IIS7 Media Pack.

"We've seen firsthand the growing demand for HD online content among our customer base," Tim Napoleon, Akamai's digital media chief strategist, said in a statement.

He noted that images broadcast over the television offer the same consistent quality for all viewers, but that such is not the case with streaming video on PCs. Each viewer may have a different experience on a computer, depending on connectivity speeds at any given moment.

The announcement comes after Microsoft unveiled plans two weeks ago for its Silverlight 2 media player. The new version carries features such as deep zoom, enhancements to cross-platform support, and support for digital rights management.

[doemel]

[..]
The new version carries features such as deep zoom, [...]


i see a very bright future for porn-on-demand

[Mysticneonglow]

Well that sucks I wait all this time only to find out I would have to install Silverlight.

That mixed with the fact the the last 6 DVDs I got were scratched makes me no like netflix anymore.

bunch of bastards.

"Sorry your disc was unplayable, we have shipped out a replacement (that is also scratched) for you"

errrr:mad:

Yeah I got the same disk replaced 4 times 'cause it was broken..every time varying from cracked to in pieces...I gave up on that movie.

[jmerk]

I think Apple should take a little tiny bit of the $20+ billion it has sitting in the bank and just go and "incentivize" Netflix to put this thing on Apple and Apple TV.

This isn't too much competition with iTunes store and, probably, Netflix has a bigger library. Why not latch into the Netflix market penetration and use it to drive Apple TV sales. Some of those are coming back to Apple, plus I'm sure they can come up with a profitable sharing arrangement with Netflix. Then it's one less box you have to hook to your TV...

LOVE it! Nice idea. They could just buy them with all of that cash but I like your idea to keep Netflix independent but still get access to their service/subscription model. If Apple isn't going to be smart and give people what they want, give us a conduit to Netflix to do it. The reason that I think it WON'T happen is because now Netflix has their box and will probably want you to buy IT and use IT rather than Apple's box...:mad:

[JDOG_]

Here's what it look like:

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20081028/Netflix-streaming.png?tag=mncol;txt

Hands-on, plus video here (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10077357-2.html?tag=mncol;title).

(note: this is a shameless plug--I wrote it)

[Adamo]

Wrote what?

[darwinian]

Opt-in (http://www.netflix.com/silverlightoptin)

It appears to work great!

[minik]

Here's what it look like:
Hands-on, plus video here (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10077357-2.html?tag=mncol;title).

(note: this is a shameless plug--I wrote it)

Alright, that's kind of neat. However, it's not really what I'm looking for.

[Ugg]

Opt-in (http://www.netflix.com/silverlightoptin)

It appears to work great!

Yeah!!!

Worked great for me.

[consumedsoul]

+1 - thx for sharing!

Yeah!!!

Worked great for me.

[kevink2]

Frustrating that I have a monitor less Mac Mini G4 that I don't have a real use for anymore since I bought my Mac Pro. Small size would have made it nice for watching Netflix movies on my HD TV.

I may have to settle for connecting my Pro to my TV if I can find a long enough cable, since I still have an unused second video port.

[reason2008]

You can now opt in for the beta testing as reported by theappleblog.com. I just opted in with out problem and can now view movies in Firefox on my Macbook Pro.

http://theappleblog.com/

[Romanesq]

Thanks folks for this. Works very well on the 15" MacBook Pro.
Pretty nice on the 15.4" screen.

Scrolling back but does anyone know the resolution. I know this won't probably take well on my 106" home theater. I will probably give it a try though. :p

[darwinian]

I read a report somewhere that it didn't work on the tester's external monitor in full screen, but my MBP -> (via DVI) -> 19" Westinghouse (yeah, yeah) works great in FS. The ext. monitor was set to the primary, by the way. That may affect results.