Though we love video games, we become frightened like cavemen every time they attain non-gaming functionality. (Funny story, we actually went through three PlayStation Ones because we kept smashing them with a ball-peen hammer whenever someone would use them to play a CD. We got past it.) So you can understand why we'd be frightened by this hack that lets you stream stuff from Netflix directly into your 360.

How does it work? That's the whole thing, man! We don't know. But we also don't want to stand in the way of your dalliances with the black arts. So there you go, you've got a link. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to go turn around three times and throw salt over our left shoulder.

We've absolutely lost count of how many times Microsoft has had to deny rumors of an Xbox 360 with Blu-ray drive, but here's another one. Following a resurgence in the rumor last week, GamePro was told today by a Microsoft official that the company continues to have no plans of introducing a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360.

The statement goes on to say that "games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and [Microsoft] remains focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available." OK, that's good and all, but if the Blu-ray thing is out, could the NetfliXbox 360 idea still be on the table?

[Via Engadget]

Netflix told Reuters today that it's been surveying its subscribers about interest in streaming movies using the Xbox 360. The company declined to go as far as saying this meant there was a partnership in the works, but did say it's looking to use "as many ways as possible" to provide its service to consumers.

The whole "Netflix on consoles" thing has been batting around for a while with reports last month that Netflix was running surveys to gauge consumer interest. Netflix has made no secret that it wants to be on consoles and our eyebrows were already raised way up early last year when Netflix CEO Reed Hastings joined the Microsoft board of directors. If Microsoft doesn't want to go down the Blu-ray path, but still wants to offer a service that makes it stand out, Netflix would certainly make a marquee alternative.

For those of you unhappy with Microsoft's video offerings on the Xbox 360 (especially when compared with AppleTV or some of the other ones on the market) or with the PS3's total lack of downloadable video short of trailers (doesn't Sony own a movie studio?), this rumor that Netflix is looking to introduce their streaming video service to both consoles should be of interest.

According to Seanbajuice, a Netflix survey suggested just that asking, "If as part of your Netflix membership you could instantly watch movies and TV episodes on your TV with your PS/3 or XBOX 360, how likely would you/anyone in your household be to do that?" How could they enable such a thing? Apparently a "special Netflix disc" – which will be made available for a measly $3 – is all you need, with no other fees outside of your Netflix membership required. We're not clear on how precisely this would work, what with Netflix using Microsoft's Windows-only DRM to distribute their flicks ... but then again we're bloggers and not internet video engineers, so we're happy to leave all that up to the professionals.

[Via Engadget]

Good evening internet faithful, Gossip Girl here, your only source into the scandalous lives of today's hottest format war. Top story on my home page? Turns out Reuter's saw Netflix proposing to Blu-ray today. Too bad for HD DVD, which was also on Netflix's play-list until today when it sent out an email explaining that the two were splitsville from here on in. Not only that, but Netflix cooed that by the end of the year all HD DVDs "will be changed to standard definition DVDs" on subscriber's queues. Meaning Netflix isn't just kicking HD DVD out, but burning all the memories in the bathtub too.

Netflix isn't the only company amorous about Blu-ray today. Best Buy also sent hugs and kisses in the form of an announcement that it would "recommend" Blu-ray from now on. Although the retail chain isn't choosing a definitive side just yet, Best Buy will "prominently feature Blu-ray hardware and software beginning in March."

There's nothing Gossip Girl likes more than a good cat fight, but sadly this one is looking almost done. With HD DVD taking hit after hit, not to mention the recent clearance price-drop of the Xbox HD DVD player, it's getting tough to imagine dear sweet HD DVD can stage a comeback. Blu-ray is working its magic and those with the power to decide the format war are following.

Update: Peep this sorry response from the HD DVD camp: "We have long held the belief that HD DVD is the best format for consumers based on quality and value, and with more than 1 million HD DVD players on the market, it's unfortunate to see Netflix make the decision to only stock Blu-ray titles going forward. While the Best Buy announcement says they will recommend Blu-ray, at least they will continue to carry HD DVD and offer consumers a choice at retail." [Via Engadget]

Read: Netflix chooses Blu-ray.
Read: Best Buy to recommend Blu-ray.

[Thanks to all who sent us their Netflix letters!]

In a conference call with analysts, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings brought up the idea of enabling the service through "internet connected game consoles." That was one of numerous options proposed. Currently Netflix only offers movie rentals by mail or PC streaming, but it's been no secret that Netflix has been seeking to connect with a company that has an internet enabled box attached to a television in the home. The obvious contenders for this service in the game space would be the PS3 and the Xbox 360 -- and that's where things get interesting if we look back a few months.

Back in March, Hastings joined the board of Microsoft. Considering Xbox Live already has an amazing infrastructure set up, the real question becomes: How difficult would it be to implement Netflix service on it? Even if the movie takes a day to download, it's still better than mail for those with a modicum of patience. Netflix revolutionized the way we rent movies, could it revolutionize the way non-gamers in the household view the Xbox 360 (or PS3)?

[Via Gamasutra]

Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings, the man who changed the way America rents movies, joined the board of directors at Microsoft. There is no further announcement beyond this simple, but possibly monumental, change to the Microsoft board. Microsoft has been getting into video downloads with Xbox Live, now combine that with the brand power and ethos of simplicity behind Netflix, and you've got yourself, well, we don't know ... but it brings us one step closer to an all-in-one box for our television.

If Netflix service were incorporated into the Xbox 360, it would change the way we rent movies once again, and be a Halo-level killer app. for the console. As long as the Xbox 360 continues growing its potential, but doesn't lose sight of its gaming core, we'll be fine. We cross our fingers for a Netflix related announcement before 2008. Consumers rejoice, this could lead to good things.