Mac users can now test the Netflix platform for Web video.

The online movie house announced in a blog Friday that its new browser plug-in media player is in beta. Users could encounter bugs since Netflix is in its first phase of publicly testing the system.

Users can log in, download Microsoft's Silverlight, and access "Watch Instantly" movies and videos on up to six pieces of equipment, including personal computers running Windows, Intel-based Macs, set-top media players, mobile devices like the iPod, and video game consoles. Soon, users will also be able to watch Netflix through Tivo digital recorders.

The Watch Instantly feature is available free for Netflix monthly subscribers, except those with the most basic plan. The platform features Play Ready DRM, which allows playback of protected content. It offers advanced fast-forwarding and rewinding, with still images. It features high-definition content as well as traditional definition content. Netflix warns that some of the video quality may be "lower than normal" for some titles.

Netflix said it is automatically logging all errors. Still, it encourages users to report error details and other difficulties through the comments section of Netflix' blog.

Netflix promised in a statement that members could expect a "faster, easier connection, and a more robust viewing experience with Silverlight."

The platform allows Netflix to offer streaming services to Mac owners for the first time. Netflix estimates that 75% of its subscribers who own Macs use Intel-powered machines.

The company launched the platform in limited beta early last week, before saying it was open to all users Friday. By the end of the year, Netflix hopes to offer 12,000 movie titles through Watch Instantly.