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LG partners Netflix for broadband-enabled HDTV

Indiantelevision.com Team

(6 January 2009 10:00 pm)

MUMBAI: LG Electronics and Netflix have announced association for broadband-enabled HDTVs with Netflix streaming software embedded directly in the TV, requiring no external device.

LG's new LCD and plasma ‘Broadband HDTVs’ will display the library of movies, TV episodes and high-definition (HD) content that Netflix members can watch directly on the TV with Ethernet connectivity.

Earlier also LG has introduced LG BD300 Network Blu-ray disc player to stream movies instantly from Netflix.

LG claims that these products - and five new models of Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems planned for 2009 - will offer consumers ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix.

"Embedding the Netflix streaming software in the television is a natural progression of our partnership with Netflix and our innovative product line," said LG Electronics USA president Teddy Hwang.

"LG Electronics was first to embrace Netflix as a streaming partner a year ago, and was first in 2008 to introduce a Blu-ray disc player that streams movies from Netflix," said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. "So it's fitting that LG is the first to introduce Netflix instant streaming directly to the TV with these next-generation HDTVs."

Instantly streaming content from Netflix to the LG HDTVs will rely on a broadband connection and queue-based user interface. Netflix members will use the Netflix web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant queues. Those choices will automatically be displayed on members' TVs and available to watch instantly through the HDTV. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds.

"The partnership between Netflix and LG Electronics continues to give consumers more and better options for home entertainment," added Hastings.