LG introduces Blu-Ray player with Netflix support

On Thursday, LG Electronics launched the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc player, a DVD player that will play both Blu-ray and standard definition discs. As a bonus, the player will also allow consumers to instantly stream any of the 12,000 movies and TV episodes available to Netflix subscribers. With a wired broadband connection, Netflix members can access their account information and “Queue” via the BD300. Once there, customers can browse movie selections, read synopses, and rate movies. They will also be able to pause, fast forward, and rewind their film choices with the BD300’s remote control.

The player also features LG’s BD Live functionality that provides bonus content, real-time extras, and special picture-in-picture access for selected Blu-ray discs. This is not Netflix’s first foray into the set-top box arena; their streaming capabilities can be found in the Netflix Player by Roku, a product that offers Netflix account access and content streaming without a PC but is not a disc player. The company also recently announced that they will partner with Microsoft’s Xbox Live service for the Xbox 360 this fall. Xbox Live Gold members can already buy and store content on their consoles, but those who also have Netflix accounts will be able to stream Netflix movies to their Xbox as well.