Netflix to launch in UK and Ireland "early 2012"

US movie streamer Netflix has announced this morning it'll introduce Netflix to the UK and Republic of Ireland by early next year.

The UK and Ireland will be the first two countries in Europe to have the service.

The company said it will be supported "via a range of consumer electronics devices capable of streaming from Netflix, as well as on PCs, Macs and mobile tablets and phones," although details on supported devices haven't been confirmed other than they will be "closer to launch."

Netflix is currently available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and Nintendo 3DS in the US, where users are currently able to stream "unlimited" movies and TV shows.

The only other similar service of note is LoveFilm, which is currently only available to PS3 owners in the UK. It will be coming to Xbox 360 owners in the fall update, though.