In late March, Netflix began to roll out its video-streaming service to select subscribers who owned a Wii. Now, that service has entered wide availability, as the Los Gatos, California-based company said today that it had begun shipping discs that will allow all subscribers to watch movies and TV shows offered through Netflix on their Wii.

　　Netflix can be accessed on the Wii's Channels menu in much the same way that console owners launch a game. Once selected, the disc will contact the Netflix servers and present the subscriber's video queue as well as lists of top picks from popular genres and new releases "based on members' personal preferences." Users will be able to rate video selections, as well as fast-forward, rewind, and pause them as on other streaming platforms.

　　The rental company was also quick to note that online streaming does not impact the number of DVDs sent to subscribers through the mail. Further, Netflix does not impose a limit on the number of streams that can be performed each month.

　　Gamers can now stream movies straight to their Wii. As with its PlayStation 3 equivalent, Netflix is offering subscribers the Wii streaming service free of charge. Microsoft, which was the first to gain Netflix streaming in 2008, requires users to subscribe to Xbox Live's Gold-level membership, which costs $7.99 for one month or $49.99 per year.