LG Blu-ray Player to Link to Netflix Streams

31 Jul, 2008 By: Chris Tribbey

LG Electronics and Netflix will join forces on a Blu-ray Disc player this fall that will stream Netflix movies to the TV.

Squashing speculation that LG would do a standalone set-top box that would stream content for Netflix subscribers — similar to the sub-$100 Roku Netflix-exclusive player — LG instead is making it a feature on its next Blu-ray player, the LG BD300. At press time LG had not confirmed a price for the player. However, in an interview with The New York Times, LG digital media sales and marketing VP Allan Jason hinted that it would be under $500, in order to stay competitive with other players.

Netflix users can use the player just like their computer: They can add movies and TV shows to their instant queue (from the 10,000 titles currently available for streaming) and the movie will start playing within 30 seconds.

“LG Electronics is establishing itself as the innovation leader in consumer electronics, combining the best of broadband and Blu-ray connectivity,” said Netflix chairman and CEO Reed Hastings. “LG was the first of our technology partners to publicly embrace our strategy for getting the Internet to the TV, and is the first to introduce a Blu-ray player that will instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the TV.”

LG Electronics USA President Teddy Hwang added, “As Blu-ray player sales are expected to triple in three years, consumers are craving content and seeking a premium home entertainment experience. The BD300 … provides consumers with an advanced high-def disc player with unparalleled flexibility.”

LG announced the player will likely add other Web sites beyond Netflix down the line. It does not have wireless capability.