Netflix Begins Silverlight Rollout

Written by Ryan Lawler

Monday, October 27. 2008 at 10:20 AM EDT 1 comment

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Mac users, rejoice! With the help of Microsoft Silverlight, Netflix Inc. is finally rolling out online video streaming that is compatible with Intel-based Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) computers. 

In a press release issued this morning, Netflix confirmed what Contentinople readers have known for a while -- that the company would use Microsoft's cross-platform, cross-browser video player for delivery of its online streaming service.

Due to digital rights management (DRM) concerns, Netflix streaming previously was available only to Windows users that could take advantage of DRM available in Windows environments.

But with the availability of Microsoft's new PlayReady DRM, which is compatible with the recent final release of Silverlight 2, Netflix will be able to protect video streams across Windows and Mac computers.

The introduction of a Silverlight-based player will also enable new features and functionality to Netflix subscribers, including faster load times, easier connectivity, and improved fast-forward and rewind functionality, all of which should be an upgrade over the current clunky interface of Netflix's streaming player.

Netflix reports that the Silverlight-based player will become available to a small number of new subscribers beginning today. Availability of the new player will expand to all Netflix subscribers by the end of the year.