AfterDawn: News

LG bringing Netflix-streaming Blu-ray player

At the 200 CES event, LG announced that they would in time be introducing a device that could stream movies from Netflix's Watch Instantly streaming, on-demand service. At the time however, there was no word on what the device was or how much it would cost.

This morning however, LG announced that the device would in fact be a Blu-ray player with the built-in ability to stream Netflix movies.



There was still no exact word on price, but the company did say it would be "well under $500 USD." Allan Jason, LG’s vice president for sales and marketing in its digital media division, did add however that he expects the player to retail for $400 USD.

One notable feature that is lacking however is a wireless networking connection that is even available in the $100 Netflix set-top box from Roku. Mr. Jason does not believe that is a problem however as he feels "the sort of early adopters who are likely to buy Blu-ray players in the next few years mostly already have Internet connections in their family rooms."

“Consumers want more content,” Jason added. “Netflix has a catalog of over 12,000 movies that can be streamed. We said, ‘This makes the perfect marketing partnership with LG.’”

The new player marks the first Blu-ray player with Internet video but it will certainly not be the last. BD Live calls for mandatory Internet connection and Sony and Panasonic have BD Live players going live (no pun intended) soon.



Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 31 Jul 2008 16:59

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• 6 comments

• sgriesch

  It is smart to work this into a player that would already be part of the entertainment system, rather than buy a whole box just for Netflix. But it is still $400. I would rather put that money towards a media computer which can do much more than play movies.

  31.7.2008 19:20 #1

• Unfocused

  Quote:"the sort of early adopters who are likely to buy Blu-ray players in the next few years mostly already have Internet connections in their family rooms." Most early adopters also have the money to ensure that there are as few wires as possible behind their entertainment center.

  31.7.2008 21:29 #2

• DXR88

  Quote:Quote:"the sort of early adopters who are likely to buy Blu-ray players in the next few years mostly already have Internet connections in their family rooms." Most early adopters also have the money to ensure that there are as few wires as possible behind their entertainment center.Ah the power of Velcro or garbage bag ties.

  1.8.2008 22:24 #3

• garmoon

  I have Netflix Instant viewing and the selection of movies that are available is atrociously awful.

  2.8.2008 22:19 #4

• zdiggler

  I have ROKU box which I love. I have a lots of shows and movies on there to view hasn't gone thought. I wish that there will be more newer movies on demand!

  3.8.2008 02:30 #5

• bratcher

  Netflix on my TV & Blu Ray too? Can't wait till my LG player arrives!!

  24.10.2008 00:15 #6