Netflix Revolutionizes Home Entertainment with Streaming TV Partnership

Strategic Insights -

Netflix has taken a significant step forward in bringing movies to people without the need for DVD mail services. In a partnership with LG Electronics, Netflix's streaming service will be directly embedded in high-definition TV sets, allowing users to watch videos without requiring an additional device. This deal marks the first time Netflix's streaming service has been integrated into a television, according to the Associated Press. With over 12,000 movies and TV shows available for instant streaming, Netflix is expanding its reach beyond computer users and enabling TV viewers to access its content through various devices, including Roku Inc.'s $100 unit and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 consoles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Netflix has partnered with LG Electronics to integrate its streaming service into high-definition TV sets, allowing users to watch videos without an additional device.
  • The partnership marks the first time Netflix's streaming service has been embedded in a television.
  • Netflix offers about 12,000 movies and TV shows for instant streaming over the Internet, in addition to its DVD rental service.
  • The company plans to narrow the gap between its DVD menu and streaming library, with DVDs currently offering an advantage in terms of profitability for film studios.
  • LG's broadband TVs will sell for $200-$300 more than regular HDTV sets.
  • Netflix's streaming service taps into a library of 12,000 titles, while its DVD menu numbers over 100,000 titles.
  • The Sony-distributed series "Damages" has been picked up by BBC1 for its second series, which will be available on the iPlayer and on FX.
  • Sony Pictures Television will make the syndicated comedy "Seinfeld" available to broadcast stations in high definition for the first time.
  • "Seinfeld" will be available in HD on stations starting Jan. 26, with Sony backing the move with a massive promotional push.

Statistics:

  • Netflix Inc. offers about 12,000 movies and TV shows for instant streaming over the Internet.
  • LG's broadband TVs will sell for $200-$300 more than regular HDTV sets.
  • The Sony-distributed series "Damages" averaged 2 million viewers in the UK.
  • Sony will supply stations with 4 episodic hi-def promos for each of the 180 episodes of "Seinfeld".

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • The Hollywood Reporter
  • Robyn-Denise Yourse (Washington Times)