Netflix begins rolling out instant viewing for Mac users

Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:20AM EDT

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At last, Netflix's "Watch Instantly" service comes to the Mac—but only for Intel-based Macs, and only a "small percentage" of Netflix subscribers will get immediate access to the new streaming player.

PC users have been able to stream movies and TV shows on Netflix.com since the "Watch Instantly" feature launched back in early 2007. Now, according to Hacking Netflix, Netflix is rolling out a revamped, Microsoft Silverlight-powered streaming player that'll support Macs, as well as "Play Ready" DRM copy protection. (The lack of Mac OS X-supported DRM for the old Neflix player was the biggest obstacle to bringing streaming Netflix videos to the Mac.)

Now, before you get too excited, a couple of things to keep in mind: The new Netflix streaming player will only work on Intel-based Macs using Firefox. So, for example, the MacBook Pro I bought last year is good to go, but my old PowerPC-based PowerBook G4 is out of luck.

Also, Netflix says that the initial deployment will only "touch a small percentage of new Netflix viewers"; the rest of us will have to wait until deployment is completed "by the end of the year."

That's a bummer—I have to admit, upon hearing the news, I immediately pulled up the Netflix site on my MacBook and clicked on the "Watch Now" tab, hoping to see a brand-new streaming player. No dice, but hey—we've been waiting for 20 months for Mac support, so I guess we can wait a few weeks longer.

Meanwhile, Netflix's streaming video service (free for existing subscribers, complete with unlimited viewing) continues its march into the living room, what with the new LG Blu-ray/Netflix player, Thursday's announcement that two new Samsung Blu-ray decks will get Netflix support, and the new Netflix-ready Xbox 360 Dashboard that's set for next month.

So, Mac users: Ready for Netflix streaming? And how many of you are still using PowerPC Macs, which won't be able to play Netflix "Watch Instantly" movies?

Related:
Netflix Rolling Our New Media Player with Mac & Firefox Support Monday [Hacking Netflix]

Comments on Netflix begins rolling out instant viewing for Mac users

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  • 1 Posted by gspet on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've been patiently waiting until the "end of the year" for Netflix "Watch Instantly" to be available for my Mac. However, all of my Macs are PowerPC. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. A few expletives would describe my mood more accurately.

  • 3 Posted by cynbas on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    According to the Netflix website, your must purchase a box for $99.00 BEFORE you can "watch instantly" any movies on a regular PC. I don't know if this will also apply to MAC versions as well. Anyone else read the same?

  • 4 Posted by sabresfan007 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, until I can Watch Instantly on FireFox...I will feel dissatisfied with NetFlix

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