Today, Sony and Amazon announced the Amazon Instant Video application for the PlayStation 3. Available as a free download, the new app gives PS3 users one more video service to choose from, where they can buy and rent movies and TV shows. Unlike the Video Unlimited app from Sony, Amazon Instant Video is purely based on streaming where even purchased content is only viewable via streaming. This can be a benefit for those with low hard drive space but maybe a downer for when your internet goes down. Now if you happen to have Amazon Prime which gives you two-day shipping on most items, there are additional perks for you to find here as well.

In an effort to compete with Netflix, Amazon also offers unlimited streaming of select movie and TV shows for Amazon Prime accounts. Found under the TV/Video Services bar on the XMB, the Amazon Instant Video app also gives Amazon Prime members access to select TV shows and movies by allowing them to stream instantly (Watch Now) with no purchase necessary. Users need to simply navigate to the action tab within the app which will display a serial number that they need to insert into their Amazon account by visiting the URL on screen.

The one caveat for Amazon Prime members like myself is the potential crapshoot of discovering what shows are available under the membership. Though visiting Amazon from a computer proves to be a tad easier with a dedicated section for Prime members in the video field, I’ve still found discovery to be acceptable at best with the best method being trial and error where you search for the movie or TV show you want with hopes of it being available for Prime.

In the end, another available option for PlayStation 3 users can only be a good thing. As Amazon continues to improve its offerings in the future, PS3 fans will be happy to know that the service is user friendly and HD ready.

Discuss:

Do you see yourself using Amazon Instant Video?