Netflix, Samsung partner on video streaming

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung is adding the ability to stream Netflix videos and Pandora's online music service to its latest Blu-ray players. Starting today, a free firmware update will add both services to the BD-P2550. (The nearly identical BD-P2500 will get Netflix support, but not Pandora.) The Samsung players join the LG BD300 Blu-ray player, the Roku Netflix Player, and (once a forthcoming firmware update goes live in November) the Xbox 360 as the only devices to date--outside of a PC--that can access Netflix's online viewing service.

Both Samsung players have been available at retail for several weeks. In addition to Netflix and (for the 2550) Pandora support, a subsequent firmware update due on October 30 will add DTS-HD audio support (onboard decoding for DTS-HD High Resolution, bit-stream output for Master Audio) for both players, and BD-Live support for 2550 (it's already available on the 2500). Those features are in addition to the players' already impressive feature set, which includes HQV video processing (which, in previous players, provides improved quality when playing standard DVDs); 7.1-channel analog audio outputs (good for interfacing with older AV receivers); and 1GB of onboard flash memory (no need for adding an SD card or USB flash drive to deliver compatibility with online BD-Live features).

The Netflix viewing experience should be nearly identical to that offered by the Roku player; it offers unlimited viewing of the growing (12,000-plus) library of on-demand movies and TV shows to any Netflix subscriber on the $9-per-month plan or above. The ad-supported Pandora personalized Internet radio service is free.

Both players carry a list price of $400, so anybody with even a passing interest in music should opt for the BD-P2550 (available at Best Buy). CNET will have complete hands-on reviews of the players as soon as the full firmware updates become available.

Related: CNET's best Blu-ray players

[hafenbrack]

With a few Blu-Ray supporters, esp. Samsung a major backer now, what are the chances that Sony will sign on with Netflix for streaming Video on the PS3? I know Sony wants to push it's own Video service, but really, this would be just another reason to buy a PS3, esp. if they continue to better develop the flash support for the PS3.

[jpfalcone]

Netflix on the Xbox 360 was touted as an exclusive arrangement (the only game console offering Netflix) when it was announced. Barring a change to that, don't expect Netflix on the PS3 (or the Wii, for that matter).

I'd like to see Sony add a dedicated Hulu channel to the PS3, which would be the next best thing.

[celticbrewer]

"when it was announced"... -things change. It would only benefit Netflix, so i don't see why they wouldn't want to do it. I have no interest in streaming movies, though. Especially if they're not hi def.

back to the story, it's a nice little device. At least they've got the DTS-HD in the works. Not bad if you don't have a PS3.

[perspectoff]

Now if Netflix could only make their player available on Linux!

I use my Kubuntu Linux laptop to watch Hulu and YouTube already, often by connecting it to my TV.

The Roku software is Linux based, isn't it? Why not just release the software so the exponentially growing Linux community can watch Netflix on their PC's?

After all, we are now more than 8% of desktop PC users (more than Apple) and growing fast.

[chasiliff]

The PS3 can access Netflix through the program PlayOn available at TheMediaMall.com. I've been using it for two months and it is getting better and better with every software update.

[chasiliff]

PlayOn also can access Hulu from the PS3. It also can play Hulu on most DLNA capable players.