After announcing viewers will be able to access Netflix movies directly from new LG HDTVs just two days ago, Netflix has done it again. This time, new owners of special Vizio TVs will be able to watch Netflix movies with no additional hardware necessary.
This feature will be available later this year on Vizio TVs with the “Connected HDTV” platform that feature built-in wired and wireless networking. Netflix members will pay as little as $8.99 a month for unlimited streamed content and unlimited DVDs. Here is the full release:
NETFLIX ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH VIZIO TO
INSTANTLY STREAM MOVIES TO NEW HIGH DEFINITION TVs
Second Direct-to-TV Partnership Announced
Prior to 2009 Consumer Electronics Show
LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2009 – Netflix Inc., (Nasdaq: NFLX) the world’s largest online movie rental service, today announced a partnership with VIZIO, the American TV and consumer electronics company based in Irvine, Calif., that will enable consumers to instantly watch movies from Netflix directly on new VIZIO high definition televisions featuring VIZIO’s new “Connected HDTV” Platform.
The announcement, on the eve of the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) taking place here, is the second in three days by Netflix regarding streaming movies directly to an Internet-connected TV without the need for a separate external device. On Monday, Netflix and LG Electronics jointly announced an extension of their year-long partnership to enable Netflix members to instantly watch movies directly on new LG plasma and LCD HDTVs.
VIZIO’s “Connected HDTV” platform is designed to complement TV viewing. At a single touch of the VIZIO customized remote control, viewers can access movies from Netflix from an easy-to-navigate, on-screen display. With built-in wired and wireless networking, VIZIO televisions with the “Connected HDTV” platform will provide true plug-and-play connectivity right out of the box. VIZIO expects to ship the new TVs to retailers nationwide later this year.
Netflix members 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.
“VIZIO is a visionary company that has quickly become a leading selling brand in North America,” said Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings. “We look forward to a strong and growing partnership with VIZIO to stream content from Netflix to their expanding line of Internet-connected HDTVs.”
“Today’s consumer demands more than just anytime, anywhere access to content. They also crave variety, especially when it comes to entertainment, and it needs to be just as convenient as changing the channel,” said VIZIO Vice President Matthew McRae. “That’s why we’re so excited to be working with Netflix as one of our key content partners on VIZIO’s ‘Connected HDTV’ Platform to deliver unprecedented choice, control and convenience for HDTV viewers.”