LG Blu-ray players add CinemaNow, YouTube access

Set-tops already stream Netflix content

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 12/30/2008

DEC. 30 | LG Electronics is launching Web-enabled Blu-ray Disc players that will feature CinemaNow and YouTube content in addition to Netflix streaming capabilities already available on the company’s current models.

Starting in the first half of 2009, LG’s new BD Live Netflix players will allow users to view movies and TV shows delivered through CinemaNow. Currently, the service offers 14,000 titles. Also, YouTube videos will be able to be enjoyed through these LG set-tops on TVs.

The company will unveil the new Blu-ray player models with the CinemaNow/YouTube enhancements at January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Pricing information is not yet available.

LG was the first manufacturer to add Netflix access through a Blu-ray player this year and was followed by Samsung adding the same feature to its BD-2500 and BD-2550 models.

“As millions of U.S. consumers view and download movies or TV shows through the Internet, they are demanding easier ways to access content and more home entertainment options,” said Tim Alessi, director of product development at LG Electronics USA. “From Blu-ray to instant streaming from Netflix to CinemaNow and YouTube, LG is bridging the gap between packaged media and video-on-demand services to provide entertainment solutions for consumers’ demand for content. With these new alliances, LG continues its innovation leadership by allowing consumers easy access to multiple entertainment options in one device.”

Mark Ely, executive VP of strategy at CinemaNow parent Sonic Solutions, added, “We are extremely pleased to be providing CinemaNow premium content services to these innovative new products from LG Electronics that are helping to drive convenient consumer access to digital entertainment at home.”