SlashGear Japan
Amid suggestions that they attempted to undermine the launch of the New Xbox Experience update, Sony Pictures have denied that the disappearance of its content from the Xbox 360 Netflix portal was a strike against Microsoft. Instead, Sony claim that the issue is one regarding licencing in general, rather than specifically as it concerns the 360.
“This issue is not specific to Xbox or any other individual platform. Sony Pictures is currently in discussions with the relevant parties to resolve certain licensing matters related to the distribution of its motion pictures. Given the ongoing nature of these discussions, we don’t think it is appropriate to comment further at this time” Sony Pictures spokesperson
Rumors started after several hundred titles disappeared from the Netflix download options page when viewed on the Xbox 360. Items distributed by Sony Pictures already in users’ queues are marked “Not available on Xbox”.
Of course, since neither the Wii nor the PS3 offer Netflix movie streaming, it’s tricky to test whether Sony’s “it’s not just the Xbox, honest” argument is a valid one. However with licencing discussions continuing, it looks at least vaguely hopeful that content from Sony Pictures would be viewable via the 360 at some point in the future.
[via Joystiq]
5 Responses to “Missing Netflix films ‘not Xbox specific’ claim Sony Pictures”
SonyH8R November 21, 2008
OMFG That is B freakin’ S!!!
+1Serg November 21, 2008
Sony is so full of it, They had months to review their contracts. What is Sony talkin about when they said “relevant parties”. What parties! Sony, you sold most of your parties and now your out sourcing. Looks like your burning slowly with your unsuccessful Blue Ray player, and PS3 system =o). anything to slow down MS, its just a matter of time when Sony has to give it up =o)
+1Nikolaus November 21, 2008
WRONG!!! I DO stream Netflix to my PS3, because of the media server software called PlayOn. You also not need to pay a monthly subscription like you do for the XBOX. Why stream Netflix from an XBOX when you can do the same plus HULU, CBS, etc.. on the PS3???
-2jeff November 21, 2008
I am not sure what the difference is from streaming on the xbox to streaming on the PC. An easy test would be to see if those titles are still available for PC Streaming on Netflix. It is obvious that Sony is doing this because they don’t want the content on the xbox and if it can be proven that this is the reason, then it falls under a monopolistic practice and I would love for the DOJ to come down on them.
+1TL November 22, 2008
I think the fact that my Netflix queue states the films are “Not available on Xbox” makes it pretty clear that yes, it IS Xbox specific.
Neutral