In a blog post, Netflix announced that its test version of Watch Instantly online player has now entered the public beta phase. The player is available to any Mac users, who have a system capable of running Microsoft’s Silverlight.
Last month, Netflix announced that it has already begun the deployment of Microsoft Silverlight for Intel-based Macintosh computers, and that the platform should become available for all subscribers by the end of the year.
Silverlight will only work on Intel-based Macintosh computers, which will cover three-fourths of Mac subscribers, Netflix said.
The streaming service offers over 12,000 choices for consumers, including recently announced titles from CBS, the Disney Channel and Starz Play.
Until now, the new Watch Instantly feature was available just to a controlled rollout. However, the company warned that the Silverlight’s version could have some bugs and not all movies are available to watch.
Also, last month, Netflix explained that the reason why Mac users were left out is that Apple does not license their DRM solution to third parties and Microsoft's Silverlight provided the needed copy-protection features. To join the beta service, you should follow this link.
So far, the company’s Watch Instantly service has been signed on to be delivered to LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics Blu-ray DVD players, as well as to subscribers of the Microsoft Xbox Live Internet gaming service. Netflix is also an investor in Roku, a set-top box manufacturer startup, which makes $99 devices.
Late last month, Netflix has finalized a deal with TiVo to deliver its movies and TV shows on TiVo HD, HD XL and Series3 digital video recorders.
Source : http://www.efluxmedia.com/
