Netflix streaming headed to LG LCD, plasma HDTVs

In a natural jump from separate settop box to an integrated TV feature, LG has announced new LCD and plasma TVs that can instantly stream movies and TV shows from Netflix. The sets will be available this spring.

Until now, hooking a TV up to a settop box has been the only way to stream Netflix content. LG's BD300 Blu-ray player (click image at right for a larger view), some Samsung Blu-ray players, a Roku settop box, the Xbox 360 videogame console, and a new TiVo DVR can all do so. (If you have a subscription to ConsumerReports.org, you can find more details about the LG BD300 here.)

The new LG TVs are Internet-enabled, so they require no additional hardware—just a broadband connection and a Netflix subscription ($8.99 per month minimum). Using the Netflix website, you add movies and TV episodes to your individual instant queues, which are automatically displayed on the TV. Using the TV's remote control, you can browse your choices and select a movie or show, which will then be displayed on the TV. You can fast-forward and rewind movies, read synopses, and rate movies.

LG will be showing some of these Netflix-enabled TVs at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show 2009 (CES) in Las Vegas this week; we hope to get more information, such as model numbers and pricing. We're also expecting some additional manufacturers to make announcements concerning Netflix streaming capability. Stay tuned for our CES blogs later this week.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[Coby]

Judge Jay - I have rented literally hundreds og Netflix DVDs. One arrived snapped in half, I vaguely recall one skipping a bit but it made it all teh way through. So ... greater than 99% problem-free. You need a new DVD player.

[Judge Jay Miller]

8 of the last 8 Netflix dvds have malfunctioned and stopped playing somewhere between 1/4 and 3/4's of the way through. If you enjoy frustration and disappointment, as part of your cinematic, dramatic experience, then Netflix is the way to go.

[everett whitney]

TO: Herb - "Internet downloads ...?"

Although your situation can be addressed somewhat, any solution would be at best temporary.

There simply is NOT sufficient broadband capacity to service any widespread usage of these downloading services . . . . I.E. - already at least ( 2 ) of the major local cable companies have implemented added charges per month regarding "capacity rules & limitations" so Internet HD downloading a dead end service !

[Herb Flinkman]

I have had the Netflix Roku box for several months and have been unable to watch a movie straight through since I had it. It is a great idea and Netflix is doing what they can, but the internet provider is unable to provide the necessary delivery speed. The movie will run for about a minute and then buffer for several minutes; then run for a minute and buffer, etc. I tested delivery speed as Netflix suggested but the problem is somewhere in Chicago. They used a "ping" test to determine this. If the problem is resolved the idea and service is great!

[everett whitney]

C. Wagner - " Build special TVs for Netflix downloads.?"

The problems are Not with the HDTVs at all.

The issue IS that there's never going to be sufficient broadband capacity on the Internet " IF " everyone really begins to use this mode of watching movies.

Already, two of our major companies have begun to "measure & charge" based upon usage of one's I.P. account, so, the total capacity limitation has already been experienced by the providers!

Read the Review / brief testing & evaluations by C.R. herein regarding actual 1080p content and picture quality of this "downloaded" product . . . NOT good & certainly never the real results of a legitimate, HD Blu Ray Movie Disc at all !

[C Wagner]

It would be smartest if Netflix used/created some sort of 'streaming standard' then TVs could be built to work with any firm's downloadable films. Perhaps this is happening as we speak?

[Samsung High Definition]

Netflix is really staying ahead of the game with this technology. If they keep putting there service everywhere they can eventually they will have everyone else in the movie rental industry trying to catch up with them..