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Disc-free Netflix streaming comes to PS3

Folks who are tired of putting a Netflix disc into their PlayStation to stream movies and shows will be glad to hear that it's ending as of Monday.

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CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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Don Reisinger
Sony

PlayStation 3 owners will soon be able to stream Netflix without inserting a disc.

Starting Monday, Netflix Instant Streaming will appear on the console's XrossMediaBar, console maker Sony announced today. In addition, the PlayStation 3 will be the first Netflix-capable device to boast support for 5.1-channel surround sound on Netflix content.

Sony said the free Netflix application must be installed for the disc-less streaming to kick in. After that, PS3 owners will find a new interface that includes search. The company said that since the app will run natively on the console, people will be able to use the analog stick on their PlayStation 3 controller to move the app around. Sony also said that "dramatic improvements" have been made on content load times.

Previously, Microsoft's Xbox 360 was the only console offering native Netflix streaming. Both the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii's have required a disc to stream Netflix.