Netflix On TV Gets A Makeover
Streaming service Netflix has unveiled a new, visually richer interface for subscribers who watch Netflix on television.
The makeover of Netflix's TV menu will start showing up Wednesday on televisions that connect to the Internet through recently released Blu-ray disc players, PlayStation and Xbox video game consoles and the Roku 3 set-top box.
After starting Netflix, you'll notice the cinematic visual experience. As you navigate, three large images for each show and movie provide much more context about a title. Netflix also added a more descriptive synopsis as well as personalized information about each specific title. This personalized information can be based on a user's social network, viewing history or taste preferences.
As you look at the details of a particular title, you?ll see a broader synopsis and more detail on the cast. For TV shows Netflix has added a refined episode selector that uses images for each episode along with a synopsis.
Search is now much more visual, designed for use on TV screens and providing results for titles as well as for actors and directors.
The section for kids also has the new design. The kids area also uses a subtle blue background and subtle "kids" label so parents see from a distance that kids are using the appropriate part of Netflix. This update also extends the kids experience to Roku and some Smart TVs for the first time.
A few other aspects of this update include:
- Support for Netflix Profiles across all devices
- Support for voice on Xbox 360
- Support for pointer-based navigation on Smart TVs
- A redesign of post-play, the feature that automatically starts the next episode of a TV show or shows recommendations after watching a movie
The updated Netflix TV experience rolls out globally beginning on Nov. 13 and will take about two weeks to reach all devices. The update will go to devices including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Roku 3, and new and future Smart TVs and Blu-Ray players. In addition, some recent Smart TVs and Blu-Ray players may receive this based on manufacturer?s update plans. Roku 2 will receive this update early next year.
Netflix's move marks another step in the company's push to make its online streaming service as compelling as any of the channels on cable and satellite systems. Netflix pipes its service through high-speed Internet connections and sells it as a stand-alone option for $8 month.
After starting Netflix, you'll notice the cinematic visual experience. As you navigate, three large images for each show and movie provide much more context about a title. Netflix also added a more descriptive synopsis as well as personalized information about each specific title. This personalized information can be based on a user's social network, viewing history or taste preferences.
As you look at the details of a particular title, you?ll see a broader synopsis and more detail on the cast. For TV shows Netflix has added a refined episode selector that uses images for each episode along with a synopsis.
Search is now much more visual, designed for use on TV screens and providing results for titles as well as for actors and directors.
The section for kids also has the new design. The kids area also uses a subtle blue background and subtle "kids" label so parents see from a distance that kids are using the appropriate part of Netflix. This update also extends the kids experience to Roku and some Smart TVs for the first time.
A few other aspects of this update include:
- Support for Netflix Profiles across all devices
- Support for voice on Xbox 360
- Support for pointer-based navigation on Smart TVs
- A redesign of post-play, the feature that automatically starts the next episode of a TV show or shows recommendations after watching a movie
The updated Netflix TV experience rolls out globally beginning on Nov. 13 and will take about two weeks to reach all devices. The update will go to devices including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Roku 3, and new and future Smart TVs and Blu-Ray players. In addition, some recent Smart TVs and Blu-Ray players may receive this based on manufacturer?s update plans. Roku 2 will receive this update early next year.
Netflix's move marks another step in the company's push to make its online streaming service as compelling as any of the channels on cable and satellite systems. Netflix pipes its service through high-speed Internet connections and sells it as a stand-alone option for $8 month.
