Sony Bravia Connected HDTVs Finally Land Netflix Streaming
Sony’s Bravia Internet Link, seen first as a $US300 add-on box and later as a built-in component on some Bravia TVs, will finally support the only movie streaming service that really matters. That’d be Netflix, in case you were wondering.
Come fall, anyone with a standalone Bravia box or internet-read Bravia TV and a Netflix account will be able to stream the service’s entire library, HD included, as if they had a dedicated box like the Roku. Well, almost like that. The implementation sounds a bit awkward, unfortunately:
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.
Even so, this is great news: Bravia Internet Link was initially held back by a lack of support for services that people actually want, and with Amazon Unbox—and now Netflix—onboard, BIVL products are significantly more buyable. Plus, a fresh Netflix deals—especially with a company like Sony—feed the attractive, increasingly plausible thesis that Netflix will eventually destroy every competitor in its industry, and a few in adjacent ones.
AU: Obviously there’s no Netflix in Australia, but it’s reassuring to know that if we ever get a Netflix-like service, Sony will be willing to partner with them…
[Sony]
SONY ADDS NETFLIX TO BRAVIA INTERNET VIDEO PLATFORM
Golflink, 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.
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
cyberlink7474
Hell, look at some of the gems listed in " New movies to watch instantly" right now:
I mean, come on - flick through what's available to stream and you probably won't see anything made in the last in the last few years that you actually give a toss about, yet they're posting drivel like the above (and believe me, there's far worse) like there's no tomorrow.
There are a few exceptions I've found so far, such as WALL-E (my 2 year-ol daughter loved being able just to watch this at a moment's notice) and Hancock (I'd never seen it - not bad).
It's a pity, because the service seems to work quite well through our Tivo HD, and I'd actually be more interested in streaming that shuffling DVDs back and forth through the mail. However, it definitely seems that they're focusing squarely on the bottom of the barrel at the moment.
@Ehrich Blackhound:
I've got a Sony Bravia KDL32-something attached to my PS3... Call me a Sony fanboy and I'll keelhaul you. :)
Since you want to use your PC as the source I recommend the PS3. It already supports streaming well and is being constantly upgraded via software update. IN 3 years its likely to still be getting upgrades while your Tv is not.
You can also play movies off thumb drives or Ipods without first having to put them on your pc. It's a pretty good media center. I have used it to replace my PC for almost all of that kind use.
Techguy1138
@climbman27:
The quality of Blu-ray is the biggest difference. Every internet service (even most cable companies) compress the heck out of their "HDTV" signal so it looks better than SD, but no where near Blu-ray quality.
If you just want to watch a bunch of movies and don't care about the source, get an internet connected HDTV. Then you'll be able to get some Amazon Unbox, some Netflix, some TIVO, some Youtube, and maybe even some Hulu (crossing fingers).
The prices of web connected HDTVs is getting better as are the selection of apps being made available to them. Look at what's out there and see if it's worth waiting before you get your ultimate TV which can do it all. It's a given that in 6 months all types of crazy internet stuff is going to be annouced at CES.
If you don't have a big blu-ray collection and don't think you will, just get the HDTV.
Also, the internet link is only $149, not $300. [www.tvlampsnbulbs.com] Prices come down Gizmodo. Heck, I just might buy one for my KDL42V4100.
I'm in the market for a whole new home theater setup (just moved). Ultimately, I want netflix and media from my pc streaming to the tv. I've been reading a lot about dlna, and like what it says it can do. My question is, is it better to get a internet connected tv, or a player like the ps3 or other streaming capable bluray players? does anyone have any experience/opinions on this?
@BEERxTaco: Ethernet.
d0l3m1k3
Is the Sony Bravia Internet Link wireless or does it require an ethernet cable?
@snitch: XBR8 is unbeatable. The new Samsungs are nice, no doubt, but XBR8 still pwns it.
imTheKing
@stryder100: The best blu-ray player with Netflix integration is the LG BD-300.
imTheKing
That description sounds exactly like how the Roku works, you set your queue on Netflix and access it on the device.
@Ehrich Blackhound: Also my first thought.
freshjulius
I just bought a Roku, so it looks like I'm still getting a Samsung.
@TravelSwiss: Err, I mean on the PS3 that is.
TravelSwiss
If they would just get this and maybe Bravia Sync I might finally have a theater set up that works together. It always seems like Sony/MS/Apple love to build toys that do exactly 95% of what you want, leaving out the easiest 5% just to piss you off. And its not like a firmware update couldn't solve all of this.
TravelSwiss
@Slim Calhoun: Speaking of black, something on Giz looks different today. Is it the black font or something? I can't put my finger on it.
Purple Monkey Dishwasher
@Ehrich Blackhound: wondering the same thing especially since hulu is doing some major blockage right now.
lilaliendog
No thanx, these Sony TVs are not only about 10x as thick as the new samsung LED Models but they also suck about 3 to 4 times more power.
snitch
It's funny to see how video on demand from a cable provider is converging with video on demand straight from the internet. I think the future of television will likely be just streaming from the internet which (hopefully) will result in less ridiculous costs than the ones now charged by cable providers.
Purple Monkey Dishwasher
Seems like everybody wants to stream Netflix. I've got a Samsung blu-ray player that can stream Netflix movies but the interface definitely sucks and it didn't seem to be particularly reliable. Then I got a new Tivo and it's pretty good.
stryder100
I was going to buy a Samsung HDTV on black friday, but it looks like sony will get my money, unless Samsung follows suit. Too bad they refuse to do this with the PS3 though...
Wonder if this will open the door to Netflix on the PS3...