With the latest firmware update I noticed something new while surfing various Web sites. Hulu Fancast has been incompatible with the PS3 browser for sometime. However, after the latest update, I noticed that Hulu seems to be working via the PS3 browser in 480p resolution.
For those not familiar with Hulu Fancast, it is a free online service where you can watch TV shows and movies by streaming it. I usually jump on Fancast when I miss the latest episode of Prison Break or Heroes. The service also has a great back catalog of old shows such as The Twilight Zone and the super original Star Trek, for you geeks out there.
It seems that Fancast has revamped their website to be PS3 compatible as well. The layout and options vary from viewing the service from the PC and the PS3. The folks at Fancast tailored the service to the flash player on the PS3. For starters there are more options and the layout is also friendlier for the PS3.
A nice addition is a 480p mode, if you have the bandwidth to spare. The picture looks surprisingly clear in 480p, even in full screen mode. However, I did notice framerate drops once in a while, which could just be my bandwidth issue. Fiber optics may be the way to go. The new channels are also convenient when using the service on the PS3 browser.
Another company that worked with Sony to get their streaming service working is the BBC. For those over in the UK may be familiar with the BBC iPlayer, which streams free TV shows. Recently the company modified the player to take advantage of the PS3’s latest firmware upgrade. It seems like many streaming TV/movie companies are recognizing the PS3 as a viable solution to their business. It is a brilliant solution as you don’t need anything additional, such as a set-top box or a media server PC running to view these shows. You can watch everything straight off the PS3’s Web browser.
