Netflix Will Stream Video To Sony’s Bravia HDTVs

There’s one more way to watch online video through a home TV with the announcement Thursday that Netflix will stream movies directly to Sony’s Bravia Internet-capable HDTVs. Beginning this fall, some subscribers to the popular movie-rental service will be able to watch any of 12,000-plus movies and TV episodes on these Net-connected sets, as well as on earlier Bravia models that are compatible with Sony’s add-on, the Internet Video Link module. The offer will be extended only to Netflix members who are on an unlimited plan, which starts at $8.99 monthly. The Bravia sets will require a software update. Netflix Remains ‘Important’ Netflix has been busy striking deals to stream movies to a wide variety of consumer devices designed for the home, as more consumers watch programs and films via the Web. Previous arrangements with consumer electronics companies have included Microsoft for the Xbox 360, LG Electronics, Roku, Samsung, TiVo and Vizio. Roku makes a $99 Digital Video Player for this purpose, and the deals with LG and Samsung involve Blu-ray high-definition DVD players. A key consideration is the user experience. Netflix’s streaming video quality on the various devices is reported to be good, and the movies start within 30 seconds. There is also an auto-resume feature so a viewer can continue viewing from a stop, even on another device. Multiple devices can be used on a single Netflix account. Josh Martin, an analyst with industry research firm Yankee Group, said it’s “interesting that Netflix continues to remain important” in the digital distribution of movies at a time when Apple’s iTunes Store, Amazon, TV networks, and other big players are moving quickly into this area. Sony Not Focusing on Streaming This is also an interesting development for Sony, he said, as the company has “not been focusing on streaming,” but has offered it through its PlayStation 3 video-game…

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Netflix Will Stream Video To Sony’s Bravia HDTVs