Sony Adding Netflix And More To BRAVIA HDTVs
Sony have announced that, as of fall 2009, Netflix, Demand Media and ON Networks will arrive on their BRAVIA HDTVs. A standard feature on any upcoming Sony BRAVIA internet video-capable HDTV, and usable on existing sets courtesy of Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link module, Netflix users will be able to access their instant queue lists on their TV.
As with other implementations we've seen, actually adding TV shows or films to the queue will need to be carried out on a computer; there's no way to navigate the full catalog on the HDTV itself. Netflix joins Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube and various other streaming media systems on the Sony devices.
The Sony BRAVIA Internet Media Link box is available for roughly $300, and connects via HDMI. Sony's actual internet-enabled HDTVs are, unsurprisingly, more expensive.
Press Release:
SONY ADDS NETFLIX TO BRAVIA INTERNET VIDEO PLATFORMGolflink, LIVESTRONG.COM, eHow and ON Networks Also Join Expanding Content Line Up
SAN DIEGO, July 9, 2009 – Netflix, Demand Media™, and ON Networks® are the latest content providers to join Sony's BRAVIA® Internet Video platform.
In the fall of 2009, Netflix members will be able to instantly watch more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes on Sony BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs and on previous BRAVIA models compatible with Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video Link module.
With BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs, users can enjoy access to one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment directly on their HDTV. By connecting the TV to their existing broadband connection, users can access online video, music, and content from over 25 providers including Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube™, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Crackle, Slacker, Epicurious.com, Concierge.com, Style.com, and Dailymotion.
"Sony was first to bring Internet video to TV and we continue to deliver the one of the largest and most diverse catalogs of content to customers through BRAVIA Internet Video," said Jeff Goldstein, vice president of Sony Electronics' television business. "Adding Netflix gives many of our customers access to a vast library of streaming content through their existing Netflix accounts."
Movies and TV episodes from Netflix can be watched instantly on Sony's BRAVIA Internet Video-capable HDTVs through a Queue-based user interface. Netflix members can add movies and TV episodes to their instant Queues on the Netflix Web site. Those choices will then be automatically displayed when a user selects Netflix on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform.
Demand Media recently launched content on the BRAVIA Internet Video platform from its wholly-owned Web sites including Golflink.com, LIVESTRONG.COM, and eHow.com.
GolfLink provides hundreds of its valuable instructional golf videos from world class coaches like Hank Haney and Jim McLean, as well as hole-by-hole golf course flyovers, both of which help viewers to prepare and improve their game.