LG Netflix Broadband HDTVs LG LCD Plasma Netflix Streaming HDTVs Officially Confirmed

In a press release hitting the wires today, LG have officially confirmed
that they are poised to release a new range of LCD and Plasma HDTV units
that will feature builtin Netflix streaming software paired with
broadband functionality allowing users to stream movies from Netflix via
an Ethernet connection directly to the new HDTV units without the need
for any additional hardware.

LG Press Release:

LG Electronics today extended its groundbreaking partnership with
Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), as the two companies announced the first
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 growing library of
movies, TV episodes and high-definition (HD) content that Netflix
members can watch instantly directly on the TV with Ethernet connectivity.

Available this spring, the new LCD and plasma HDTVs will join the LG
BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player, the first Blu-ray disc player to
stream movies instantly from Netflix. These products - and five new
models of Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems planned for 2009
- will offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy more than 12,000
choices of movies and TV episodes instantly from Netflix. Netflix
members owning one or more of the devices pay as little as $8.99 per
month for unlimited instant streaming and unlimited DVDs from a catalog
of more than 100,000 DVD titles in more than 200 genres.

LG Electronics and Netflix will demonstrate these broadband HDTVs this
week at the 2009 CES, Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention
Center.

“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.
“This is an LG industry-first, which provides another flexible
option for consumers seeking to access exciting content directly through
their HDTV.”

“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.”

Netflix began offering its instant streaming functionality on the PC in
January 2007 and made the leap to the TV last year via Netflix ready
devices such as the LG BD300 Blu-ray disc player. With today’s
announcement, Netflix will be streaming, for the first time, directly to
the TV with no external device required.

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. With the
accompanying remote control, Netflix members will be able to browse and
make selections right on the TV screen and also have the ability to read
synopses and rate movies. In addition, they will have the option of
fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream.

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