Starting Monday, October 18 PS3 users be able to instantly watch movies and TV shows in 1080i high definition and Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound without inserting an instant streaming disc into their console.

In addition to eliminating the disc, there is a new user interface that brings a much richer and faster browsing experience, content search directly on the device, and improvements in how fast playback starts, Sony said.

Netflix has selected Dolby Digital Plus to deliver 5.1-channel surround sound for TV shows and movies streamed instantly over the Internet. Beginning October 18, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony will be the first consumer electronics device to support 5.1-channel surround sound on movies streamed from Netflix. Netflix said more devices would be added over time to support streaming digital surround sound.

Dolby Digital Plus supports up to 7.1 channels of high quality surround sound. Dolby Digital Plus is based on Dolby Digital and it has been adopted by many of the world's leading broadcasters, TV and set-top-box manufacturers, and device makers. It is designed to adapt to the changing demands of entertainment delivery while retaining compatibility with existing Dolby Digital 5.1-channel home theater systems.