Netflix Reveals More PS3 Watch Instantly Details

Following up on this morning’s announcement of the forthcoming launch of the Netflix Watch Instantly service on the PS3, a representative from Netflix confirmed several key details left unanswered by the initial announcement with Joystiq.

On the use of the disc:

“Can the Netflix application be installed to the PS3 hard dive from the disc? Or must the disc be inserted every time a user wants to access Netflix?”

“Yes, the Netflix disc has to be inserted every time to access the Netflix service.”

On the availability of an embedded client identical to the Xbox 360:

“Why not distribute the application via PSN download or firmware update, and then embed it into the XMB?”

“Again, the instant streaming disc represented the fastest and easiest way to let PS3 enthusiasts get Netflix on the PS3. Late next year we expect to have an embedded solution available for PS3s via a system software update slated for release through the PlayStation Network.”

Finally, addressing the claimed exclusivity agreement with Microsoft:

“Is releasing the PS3 application on a disc required by an exclusivity agreement with Microsoft?”

“The Netflix agreement with Sony for PS3 is consistent with the terms of our partnership with Microsoft for Xbox 360. Our goal is to give members the opportunity to instantly watch movies streamed from Netflix via the widest variety of Netflix ready devices. All of our partners are aware of our goal.”

The rest of the interview goes through to confirm that the PS3 service will be identical to the Xbox 360 version, right down to browsing by category.