LG Adds CinemaNow, YouTube Streaming to Network Blu-ray Players

LG Electronics will soon stream content from CinemaNow and YouTube to its Network Blu-ray players.

Available on new LG Network Blu-ray Players in the first half of 2009, the CinemaNow and YouTube streaming will complement that of Netflix. High-definition Netflix streaming is available on the BD300 Blu-ray Player as a free online upgrade.

LG didn't release any word on what the HD options will be with CinemaNow. But the collaboration does include:

• Access to more than 14,000 titles, including movies, TV shows, independent films and music videos
• The ability to browse the entire CinemaNow premium content catalog
• Access and watch movies purchased from other CinemaNow-powered stores

The alliance with YouTube will enable users to instantly stream Web videos directly to the LG Network Blu-ray Player without a computer.

LG will display its 2009 line of Network Blu-ray Players at CES 2009 at booth 8214 in Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"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," says Tim Alessi, director of product development, 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."