Netflix to Recommend Televisions

5 Jan, 2015 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Netflix has introduced the world to by-mail DVD rentals, content recommendations and binge-viewing. Now it wants to tell you which televisions enable the optimal streaming experience.

During LG Electronics' Jan. 5 press event at CES in Las Vegas, Greg Peters, Netflix’s chief of streaming and partnerships, unveiled “Netflix Recommended TV Program,” which enables consumers to learn which TVs deliver optimal Internet video streaming.

The program rates TVs based on their picture resolution, sound quality, Internet user interface, including ease of accessing Netflix streaming, pausing, rewinding, searching and playback, among other factors.

This spring, Sony Electronics, LG, Sharp Electronics, Vizio and Chinese manufacturers of Roku TV are expected to be among the first smart-TV set-makers to deliver models designated by Netflix to receive a “Netflix Recommended TV” logo. Though initially a U.S.-based program, Netflix expects global television manufacturers to incorporate Netflix recommendations in sets sold worldwide going forward.

“We’ve created the ‘Netflix Recommended TV’ program to help consumers identify smart TVs that offer better performance, easier menu navigation and new features that improve the experience for Internet TV services,” Neil Hunt, chief product officer at Netflix, said in a statement. “When you see a TV with the Netflix Recommended TV logo, it means that TV will provide an excellent Netflix experience, based on criteria our members tell us matter most.”

The program, which may appear self-serving, underscores the clout Netflix has developed over the years within the consumer electronics industry. Most connected Blu-ray Disc players, TVs and streaming media devices have direct access to Netflix apps, including red tabs on remote controls.  The Netflix brand has become a prerequisite on CE packaging.

“LG’s Smart TVs are designed to make navigating today’s state-of-the-art TV systems fast and simple, so that consumers can spend more time enjoying the content they love,” William Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics USA, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be part of this program that recognizes and communicates the quality of the Netflix experience on smart TVs.”

 

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