Well it’s about time. Panasonic’s latest VIERA Cast HDTVs and Blu-ray finally have the ability to do the Netflix streaming thing. I mean, it’s awesome that the ability is now available on most of the 2010 models, but it’s rather surprising that it took so long to hit the VIERA Cast line. These HDTVs have been on the forefront of the streaming game since the beginning and it seems like Netflix is on just about every CE device these days. But no matter, Netflix is finally available on these sets and ready to stream Firefly to your swanky new Panny HDTV.
World’s Largest Online Movie Subscription Service
Activated on VIERA CAST
SECAUCUS, NJ (September 9, 2010) – Panasonic, a leader in Full HD 3D technology and built-in TV web entertainment, announced today that streaming instantly from Netflix is now available to Netflix members via Panasonic’s 2010 VIERA CAST™-enabled VIERA® HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players.
Netflix is the latest entertainment feature to be added to VIERA CAST, Panasonic’s IPTV functionality. Earlier this year, Panasonic added Skype™ voice and video calling1, Twitter and Pandora to an already robust list of popular entertainment and information options, including Amazon Video on Demand™, You Tube™, Google’s Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg News and a weather service.
With more than 15 million members, Netflix, Inc. is the world’s largest subscription service streaming movies and TV episodes over the Internet, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited TV episodes and movies from a catalogue consisting of tens of thousands of titles for as little as $8.99 per month.
For 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs, Panasonic also introduced USB connectivity which enables the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor (802.11b or faster), a keyboard for more efficient site navigation and communication, and USB memory which supports AVCHD video and JPEG photos. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC2 and is accessed via a single button on the television remote control. There is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as Netflix and Amazon VOD have a separate fee structure).
“Panasonic is constantly looking to provide the best possible entertainment experience for our customers,” said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President Merwan Mereby. “The addition of Netflix to our 2010 VIERA CAST™ offerings now gives consumers access to the leading online movie subscription service right from their 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled VIERA® HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players. The features now available on VIERA CAST provide consumers with access to a wide range of the leading entertainment and interactive sites which allow them to enjoy high definition movies and connect directly with family and friends right from their HDTV in the comfort of their own living room.”
“Panasonic continues to provide consumers with unique and exciting products for enjoying entertainment at home,” said Netflix Vice President of Business Development Bill Holmes. “Netflix is proud to partner with Panasonic to deliver movies and TV shows to consumers with the greatest convenience, selection and value.”
2010 Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs featuring VIERA CAST:
VT25 and VT 20 series – Full HD 3D VIERA Plasmas
· TC-P50VT25– 50-inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P54VT25- 54-inch class (54.1 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P58VT25-58-inch class (58 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P65VT25-65 inch class (64.7 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P50VT20-50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
GT25 series- Full HD 3D VIERA Plasmas:
· TC-P42GT25-42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P50GT25-50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
G25 series –VIERA Plasmas
· TC-P42G25-42 inch class (41.6 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P46G25-46 inch class (46 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P50G25-50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P54G25-54 inch class (54.1 inches measured diagonally)
G20 series – VIERA Plasmas:
· TC-P50G20- 50 inch class (49.9 inches measured diagonally)
· TC-P54G20-54 inch class (54.1 inches measured diagonally)
2010 Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players featuring VIERA CASTTM:
· DMP-BDT350 (Full HD 3D)
· DMP-BDT300 (Full HD 3D)
· DMP-BDT100 (Full HD 3D)
· DMP-BD85
· DMP-BD65
· DMP-BD70V (dual VHS/Blu-ray Disc player)
· DMP-B500 (portable Blu-ray disc player)
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