LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs

Yup, it’s official. LG will be showcasing the world’s first Netflix-enabled HDTVs at CES this week. The so-called Broadband HDTVs will arrive in plasma and LCD flavors, though exact screen sizes and model names have yet to be disclosed. They’ll arrive with Netflix streaming software baked right in, meaning that no external set-top-box will be required to suck down Watch Instantly material. Best of all, it sounds like HD Netflix content will also be supported, and with the accompanying remote, viewers will be able to “read synopses, rate movies and fast-forward / rewind the video stream.” No word on pricing, but the family of sets should be shipping this Spring. Hop on past the break for a look at the full release.

Continue reading LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs

Filed under: , ,

LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LG to release first HDTVs that instantly stream movies from Netflix

It was really only a matter of time, but instant streaming from Netflix is finally getting piped straight to the tele. Until now, users needed an HTPC or a set-top-box / movie player that supported Watch Instantly, but we’ve received word that LG will debut the world’s first Netflix-enabled HDTVs this Spring. Details are pretty light, but we’re told that both plasma and LCD models will be unleashed; unfortunately, it’s not entirely clear if HD Netflix will be included and if the sets will / won’t be WiFi-enabled. Keep it locked here for anything more, we get the feeling we haven’t heard the last about these beauties.

Update: The AP is suggesting that the inclusion of the Netflix streaming feature (or, “broadband capabilities,” as it were) could add around $200 to $300 per set. That’s a pretty hefty premium for ditching the box.

Filed under: , ,

LG to release first HDTVs that instantly stream movies from Netflix originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LG plugs YouTube, CinemaNow into next year’s Blu-ray players

Never satisfied with offering only a Blu-ray disc player (see 2007’s BH100 Blu-ray + HD DVD combo and 2008’s Netflix-streaming BD300), LG is upping the ante for ’09, promising support for YouTube and CinemaNow videos on its next gen decks. Along with the now-standard Netflix, owners can browse CinemaNow pay-per-view offerings (or other stores powered by the service) abd thumb through YouTube’s catalog directly from the device. Unmentioned in the PR fluff is additional info like price and more detailed specs, but expect all to become (hopefully) clear January 7 in Las Vegas.

Filed under: , ,

LG plugs YouTube, CinemaNow into next year’s Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

LGs Connected Blu-ray Players Add CinemaNow, YouTube

LG%20BD%20300.JPGLG Electronics said Tuesday that its 2009 lineup of networked Blu-ray players will include video streaming features from CinemaNow and YouTube, as well as with its existing content partner, Netflix.

All three options will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Shw (CES) next week, where LG will debut its 2009 products. LG’s timing is exquisite, given that analysts said Tuesday that interest in connected devices is on the rise.

LG launched its Netflix-connected Blu-ray player, the LG BD300(shown left), in July. “Future LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players will also offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix,” LG added.

Roku Player Gets Update for Netflix HD, Future Service Expansion

Roku owners were greeted with a brand new home screen this morning as the service was updated to handle HD video and a expansion that could see new channels and web content on your TV.

According to NewTeeVee, the new screen was accompanied by a welcome message:

By now you’ve discovered our new home screen. This screen will become your launching pad for a number of great new channels that will begin to appear on your player in early 2009. In addition to the hugely popular Netflix channel, you’ll see movie channels, TV channels, web video and more!

We’ve also upgraded your player to support an advanced video format that will deliver better video quality, especially over Internet connections.

Finally, your player is now fully HD compatible. If you have an HDTV, select ‘update display type’ below to get the full HD experience. (Tip: visit www.netflix.com/InstantHD for HD movies from Netflix.

Netflix has a short and somewhat sweet list of HD titles for Netflix enabled devices if you’re interested. [NewTeeVeeThanks, Chris!]