So I finally got the nerve to sign up for Netflix to test out the new Netflix/Xbox 360 functionality that's included with the New Xbox Experience upgrade.
I have to say that I am pretty impressed with the whole Netflix/Xbox 360 integration. I've read some forum posts where users are saying that the service sucks, how the quality along with the selection of movies is not great, etc, but I don't know where their coming from with that. Sure.. there's only a small library of 12,000 movies/TV shows to choose from with some that are new releases while most of them are older, but really good movies like Scarface, Crimson Tide, etc. Only a small amount are actually in HD, but what's available is pretty damn good, such as Season 1-3 of Heroes and 30 Rock, among others.
The non-HD movies/TV shows are basically DVD quality, while the HD movies/TV shows are crystal clear.
The way it works is you add movies/TV shows to your Instant Queue on the Netflix website and within 15-30 seconds, they will start showing up on your Xbox 360. Displays box art with some information about the movie or TV show. Once you press Play, the system starts determining your connection strange(1-5 bars) and whether or not the movie or TV show is in HD. After this, it starts buffering and plays instantly. Also supports Resume.
Overall, the video/sound is absolutely stellar, no lag whatsoever. However, you must have a pretty good connection speed in order to get the most out of the Netflix/Xbox 360 combo.
The only thing left for them to add is... MORE MOVIES, especially more new releases and more HD content. Hopefully in the future this will happen and at $8.99/m for unlimited streaming, not a bad deal at all.
If you have an Xbox 360 with an Xbox Live Gold Membership and already are a Netflix subscriber, you have nothing to lose but a whole lot to gain. If you aren't a Netflix subscriber, I suggest signing up for a free two week trial to test it out and you'll find out you won't be dissapointed.
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