Tuesday, January 6, 2009 8:00AM - By Jared Newman
Forget DVDs, set-top boxes and Xbox 360s. LG and Netflix announced today that they’re working on a television with built-in streaming video capabilities. The so-called “Broadband HDTV” will operate in similar fashion to the (pictured) hybrid Blu-Ray player/streamer that the two companies currently offer, but without the added clutter (and the Blu-Ray, of course). One downside is Netflix’s still-archaic “Instant Queue,” which requires you to first select your movies from a computer instead of directly choosing them on your TV. That, and the online offerings still don’t compare to Netflix’s massive mail-order catalog. But hey, it’s a step in the right direction. Maybe an “Xbox HDTV” is next. [Ars Technica]
Monday, August 4, 2008 7:00AM - By Nino Marchetti
One of the most anticpated pieces of consumer hardware in 2008 is almost upon us. The LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player gives hardcore Netflix lovers the ability to stream select movies from Netflix directly to the box for no additional charge. It also does all that other great stuff a Blu-ray player will, like let you watch eye-dropping HD video, upconvert standard DVD video to 1080p and enjoy interactive BD Live content as you play a Blu-ray disc. Watch for it this fall.
Buy: $TBA
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:35AM - By Mike Payne
This unassuming little black box is about to revolutionize the way you view Netflix. The Roku Netflix Player allows you to connect to your Netflix account — and watch movies and TV episodes live — from the comfort of your living room. Connect this box to your televsion via HDMI, RCA, s-video or component, then connect Roku to your router via ethernet. Then you’re ready to sit back, browse your netflix queue and watch movies and TV shows instantly.
Presently, Netflix has 10,000+ movies and TV shows available to watch live from your account. This release from Roku ensures that Neflix will continue to invest in digital distribution. Of the top 25 films and TV shows in our own personal Netflix queue, five of them are available to view live. Early adopters shouldn’t worry about a lack of content, Netflix has many film gems available from recent Oscar winning films to cult TV classics. And with the price of the Roku Netflix Player, we expect that early adoption to be staggering…
Buy: $100
