LG unveils new Blu-ray line

LG unveils new Blu-ray line

Today at CES, LG Electronics announced their 2009 line of Blu-ray products, all featuring Netflix streaming as well as YouTube and pay-per-view video through CinemaNow. I would expect LG to add more streams in the future, possibly from Amazon and others.

A couple of the players also now include wireless networking, a welcome feature for Blu-ray players.

Press release follows:

LG ELECTRONICS DEBUTS FULL LINE OF NETWORK BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS AND HOME THEATER SYSTEMS

New Devices Deliver Superior Image Quality, Enhanced Entertainment Options through New Content Alliances

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2009 – Building on the success of its BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player – the world’s first Blu-ray player to instantly stream Netflix – LG Electronics introduced two new Network Blu-ray Disc Players (BD370, BD390) and three Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Systems (LHB954, LHB977, LHB979) with expanded content options and wireless connectivity. The company’s full line of digital audio-video products is on display this week at the 2009 International CES® – Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

Unparalleled Access to Streaming Entertainment

The 2009 Network Blu-ray Disc Players with LG’s “NetCast™ Entertainment Access” offer consumers a virtually endless array of content-on-demand options through new alliances with CinemaNow and YouTube, as well as access to the growing library of HD streaming titles from Netflix. Through its alliance with CinemaNow, the first Web site to offer Pay-Per-View movies from major studios and the first broadband distributor of high definition (HD) content, LG offers consumers access to more than 14,000 titles from the major movie studios, broadcast and cable television shows, more than 250 independent film titles and music videos from all major labels*.

Offering unlimited access to online content, LG’s alliance with YouTube will allow consumers to instantly stream millions of Web videos directly from the Internet to an LG Network Blu-ray Player for viewing on their television (without a personal computer)*. Easy searching, thumbnail previews and multiple screen size viewing options will allow consumers to enjoy endless video content from current events to viral videos at the touch of a button. (For more information on content alliances, see separate release.)

“With LG, consumers do not have to compromise flexible entertainment options for exceptional sound and picture quality,” said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing and strategy, LG Electronics USA, Inc. “Whether it’s through new content or a wireless connection, our new network Blu-ray disc players and home theater systems allow consumers to personalize their entertainment experience.”

Advanced Video-Audio Entertainment Experience

All of LG’s 2009 Network Blu-ray Disc Players and Home Theater Systems incorporate advanced technologies and entertainment options that allow consumers to enjoy content on-demand instantly with exceptional sound and video quality. LG’s Network Blu-ray Disc Players and Home Theater Systems are BD Live capable, giving consumers access to a wide variety of real-time content via a network connection, such as movie scene extras, new previews, games, chats and more. The line also includes BonusView technology for picture-in-picture access to special features, allowing users to simultaneously watch their favorite movie scenes and added bonus features on compatible discs. Highlights include:

LG BD370 Network Blu-ray Disc Player – The BD370 offers consumers broadband connectivity and advanced audio capabilities with audio format decoding such as Dolby TrueHD/Digital Plus and DTS-HD for a crisper, clearer auditory experience. Other features include:

• Full HD 1080p Blu-ray disc playback with BD-Live and BonusView
• NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access
• Netflix instant streaming ready
• Instant access to the latest movie titles from CinemaNow
• A world of entertainment options with YouTube access
• 1080p Upscaling for standard DVD
• Dolby® TrueHD
• DTS-HD Master Audio Essential
• USB Media Host
• Availability: Second quarter of 2009

LG BD390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player – The BD390 boasts all the same core functionalities of the BD370 model but takes performance and connectivity a step further featuring integrated wireless home networking for easy connection to the home network, and 1GB of built-in memory, offering consumers an easier option for enjoying BD-Live content from their favorite Blu-ray movies without the need for a flash drive and discrete 7.1 channel audio outputs for exceptional connectivity and performance. Availability slated for third quarter of 2009.

LG Network Blu-ray Home Theater System (LHB954) – The perfect complement to any movie enthusiast’s home entertainment system, the LHB954 is LG’s first home theater system to incorporate a new spherical speaker design that increases sound clarity and volume throughout the listening space. The high-style and high-performance speakers enhance the pure HD surround-sound experience available from the latest advanced audio formats available on Blu-ray discs. Other features include:

• Full HD 1080p Blu-ray disc playback with BD-Live and BonusView
• 1000W 5.1 channel spherical speaker system
• NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access
• Netflix instant streaming ready
• Dolby® TrueHD
• DTS-HD Master Audio Essential
• iPod Direct Docking
• Availability: Second quarter of 2009