Netflix Issues on a PS3

Print this articleNetflix began offering service on the PlayStation 3 in 2009. Since the PS3 can be connected to the Internet, creating an application to stream movies directly to the PS3 meant that PS3 users had an option to watch Netflix on their televisions. If you've downloaded the Netflix application onto your PS3, you'll find that when the application or Internet connection malfunctions, it's difficult to watch your movies. By knowing the most common issues for Netflix streaming on the PS3, you'll know what's normal and what's not when it comes to your service.

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The PS3 needs an Internet connection to stream Netflix. While the 20GB model needs a cable to be connected to the Internet, the 40GB, 60GB and 80GB models can connect wirelessly as long as you have a Wi-Fi network in your home. This means your Netflix picture and streaming quality relies heavily upon the speed of your Internet connection. If your connection is slow or spotty, your PS3 won't be able to play movies as smoothly as it should.

System Updates

If you own a PS3, you're a part of the PlayStation Network. When you have a username, password and connection to the Network, you receive frequent updates that help your PS3 software to run more smoothly. Unfortunately, system updates can make it difficult to watch your movies on Netflix, since they often require you to download the Netflix application again and apply software updates before you view content. If you want to watch a movie but your PS3 requests an update, it's fine to watch your movie first before heading to "PlayStation Network" and "System Update" on the main menu.

Glitches

It's important to remember that the PS3 is essentially an Internet-connected computer and Netflix is much like a program you run on that computer. That leaves room for glitches with system updates and other problems that make it difficult for you to access and view Netflix. For instance, a February 2010 glitch blocked PS3 users from the PlayStation network and from Netflix access. While the glitch was fixed quickly, future glitches may disrupt your ability to watch movies again.

Hacking

May and June 2011 saw the complete shutdown of the PlayStation Network. Due to hackers who broke into the system and compromised credit card numbers and personal information, PlayStation shut down the Network and blocked access to Netflix until the system could be secured once again. Users could try a workaround in the first few weeks of the hacking, but then Netflix access was shut down until the PlayStation Network reopened and a Netflix update was released in June.

ReferencesPCMag: Glitch Blocks Playstation 3 Network, Netflix AccessResourcesCnet: Hands-on with Netflix on the PS3: Disc-free and better than everRead Next:

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