LG to launch Internet TVs for on-demand movies

Netflix and LG have announced that LG will introduce TVs that can directly access Netflix movies without the need for a separate set-top box.  Netflix subscribers with one of these TVs would be able to access movies and TV shows directly from the TV for instant viewing via their broadband connection.  The Netflix library currently consists of over 100,000 titles, which carries about 12,000 movies.  These TVs will be on display at the CES in Las Vegas.

Last year, Netflix and LG have already launched set-top boxes and Blu-ray players with the Netflix software.  The advantage of having Netflix built-in to TVs is that the user does not need to make space for another set-top box.  If the user intends watching all their TV shows and movies from Netflix and over terrestrial TV, they may not need any set-top box at all with the TV, which is useful for setting up the TV on a wall or in a room without the need for an area nearby for set-top boxes and cables to lead off to.  It’s unclear at this time whether these TVs would be able to stream video from other sources such as from a home media server or PC, like what Network Media Players can do. 

Despite the growing popularity of smart phones such as Apple’s iPhone, the BlackBerry and various other handsets capable of playing video content, Netflix has no plans on bringing its service to mobile handsets.  They said that there are only a very limited number of people who are interested in watching movies on such tiny screens. 

LG’s Internet TVs will be available in four sizes – 42” and 47” LCD models and 50” and 60” Plasma models.  So far no prices have been announced, but the company said that they will be cost just a small premium over similar LG TVs.