The existing universe of 1080P Netflix devices includes the Sony Playstation3, Roku 2 XS and XD, WD TV Live and now LG 2011 Smart TVs and Samsung Smart Hub enabled devices, according to Tech of the Hub.
Netflix launched 1080p streaming in 2010, but we’ve barely seen it in smart TVs, networked Blu-ray players and other common CE devices from top brands such as Samsung, LG and Tivo.
Netflix 1080p was supported exclusively by the Playstation 3 when it launched last year, and since then has trickled out to media players from Roku and Western Digital. Netflix only this summer released a software developers kit for everyone else, and those everyone elses are finally incorporating the technology into their new and legacy devices (via firmware upgrade).
That’s good news for Netflix Watch Instantly lovers, but might be confusing as well.
As Tech of the Hub suggests:
The toughest part for the consumer is distinguishing the differences between all of the Netflix enabled TVs, Blu-ray players and streaming boxes at retail stores. All of them have the same Netflix logo on them. So, you can’t tell which Netflix boxes support 1080P, surround sound and subtitles.
The blog site has reached out to several major brands to determine when they will enable 1080p Netflix streaming for their CE devices.
Here is an overview, but check out Tech of the Hub for more details.
Samsung updated its Netflix app two weeks ago for Smart Hub-enabled Blu-ray players, TVs and home theater systems.
LG displays with Smart TV have been updated as well, with other LG devices following this month.
Netgear’s new NeoTV NTV-200 will support Netflix 1080p next year.
Pioneer’s Blu-ray players will not support 1080p for Netflix.
TiVo is working on 1080p Netflix streaming, but won’t say when it will be commercially available.
The big question is: Will Netflix raise its rates again when 1080p becomes universally available?!
By Julie Jacobson
