I recently added a PS3 to my HT system and not to long after that I bought a Roku box so I could stream "Play Now" movies from Netflix to the Sony LCD big screen in the living room. I already had my Netflix subscription so the initial cost of the Roku box was the only new expense involved ($100).

At that time I didn't know about PlayOn. It's a server program that works with the PS3, X Box 360, HP Media Smart TV and is coming soon to Nintendo Wii.

After an initial 14 day trial you can purchase the program for a one time fee of $39.99. It will stream Netflix's View Now titles through the PS3 just like the Roku box does but it has an easier to use interface than the Roku box. It breaks the titles in your queue down by genre making the titles easier to find.

It will also stream selections from HULU, CNN, ESPN, and Youtube. Also the new Pay Per view selections from Amazon (Beta).

On the PS3 the titles are integrated into the Xmedia menu which is just like what the Sony Bravia LCD TV uses for it's other functions.

The whole package makes for an amazing entertainment extravaganza made possible by the amazing versatility of the PS3.

You can -Watch a DVD movie-Watch a Blueray movie-Play a music CD-Copy a music CD to your PS3 hard drive-Play an Mp3 CD-Copy an Mp3 CD-Play music from your Windows Media library (almost endless if you're like me)-Play videos from your Windows Media library-Look at photos from your Windows Media Library-Copy photos to your PS3 harddrive and create albums if you wish. Watch movies from your Netflix Instant Queue-Get the ESPN news on demand-Get the CNN news on demand-Stream TV programs and movies from HULU-Watch favorites and most popular videos from YouTube-Play games by yourself with your friends at home or Play games online with people you don't know-Surf the internet-Buy more games etc. etc. etc.!

This software makes the PS3 even more versatile than it already was! I wish I had known it esisted before I bought the Roku box. I feel sure there will be more expansion of the program to come. Has anyone else heard of the software or is using it? I would like to know your thoughts and know if you think it is a good product or not.

http://www.themediamall.com/products

Best! Franksta

I will have to check this out. I just got my 80GB 4 port version last week and bought a router and cable to hook it up to the net. I haven't ever setup a network so I'm hoping it won't be a pita.

OK maybe I can help a little because I was also sceptical and a little scared of the network idea. it turned out to be the one thing that opened up my system. The PS3 will take a wired or wireless connection. The Roku Netflix box is the same way. Although you won't need the Roku if you buy the PlayOn software.

Buy a router from Walmart or somewhere. I bought a Lynksys Rangeplus. Take your cable/DSL ethernet connection from the back of the computer and input it to the router. Now take another ethernet wire from the router back to the computers ethernet connection. Another words think of the router as simply a spliter that will now share the internet connection with other systems like your PS3.

Plug the PS3's ethernet connection into another router port and send it to the PS3 or set up the PS3 to work wirelessly the PS3 menu will take you through the process. It will ask you for the access code you set up when you installed the router. Now download the Playon software. Build up a watch instantly queue on Netflix. Provide the PlayOn software with the sign on info to the HULU site the Youtube site and the Amazon site (if you want their pay per view service) and now you have a comprehensive entertainment server/system. Like I said....I let the thought of setting up a network intimidate me for a while but there was nothing to getting it up and going and it opened up a lot of new things! Good Luck! Franksta

I'm just wondering, how well does the netflix "playnow" service perform. My comcast connection, is at best not that great. Do the movies play smoothly, or jump around. Is there a buffer that allows it to overcome sub-par service?

If, I go ahead and do it, I will use the PS3. But I'm wondering about the netflix service in general.

I had the same concerns about the netflix instant play especially over the network. I have Roadrunner cable high speed not the turbo but the middle level. It works great! The movie will load or buffer for a few seconds before it starts but after that it is smooth with no dropouts. The picture quality varies but not because of the stream speed. The old TV shows look like old TV shows but the newer movies are very good quality. The PlayOn software on the PS3 definately is esaier to navigate through than the Roku box especially if you have a lot of stuff loaded in your queue to sort through like I do. Good Luck! Franksta

I'm currently running netflix thru my Xbox 360, no special software is required. As said earlier, the picture varies based on the age of the show, 30 Rock is in HD. All the sound thru the xbox is stereo, my amp kicks it up to prologicII movie. The xbox buffers so there are very few interuptions. You can stop at any time, come back weeks later and pick up where you left off.

I just started watching the first season of Heroes, pretty good so far.

I would like to get Hulu, not sure I can do with my current software.