Netflix streaming coming to Net-enabled Sony Bravia TVs

Netflix compatibility coming soon

Netflix streaming will be coming to online-enabled Sony Bravia televisions this fall.

Once enabled via a software update, the Netflix feature will give Bravia sets access to the same 12,000-title catalog of Netflix streaming movies and TV shows that's available on a growing number of devices, including the Xbox 360, Roku Player, and all recent Samsung and LG Blu-ray players and home theater systems.

Compatible Sony TVs include the XBR9 series, the Z5100 series, and the W5100 series. However, a wider variety of sets can access the Netflix feature by adding the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link, an add-on accessory that currently costs about $200.

In addition to Netflix, Bravia Internet Video-enabled products currently support content from Amazon Video-on-Demand, YouTube, CBS (the parent company of CNET), and a variety of lesser-known online video providers. (For an overview of the pre-Netflix Bravia Internet experience, check out our recent slideshow.) Recent additions include Demand Media (videos from Golflink.com, Livestrong.com, and eHow.com) and ON Networks (programs such as Golf Tips, Play Value, and Beautiful Places).

The addition of Netflix will certainly go a long way to ameliorating our decidedly less-than-enthusiastic experience with the Bravia Internet Video features. (That said, remember that Netflix and Amazon video can be added to any TV with the $100 Roku Player.) Moreover, we hope that the fact that Netflix and Sony are now partners means that we'll eventually see Netflix added to Sony's Blu-ray players and, eventually, the PlayStation 3 (which currently only supports Netflix via the third-party Play On software).

[getwired]

For $200, I'd just put it towards an AppleTV and rent from iTunes.

[chriscooksey]

ditto

[ywkhgqo]

so you can blow the i think 8.99 subscription fee for netflix in 2-3 movie rentals from itunes? which expire? and you have to wait to download them. From netflix, you get one dvd out at a time AND the streaming. You can also hold on to your movies for as long as you want.

Just because its from apple, doesn't mean its the best nor cheapest idea. You didn't even mention the fact of all the other streaming services that could be offered with the sony online media extender.
Nice try.

[Beerfuzz]

Or.. use your Xbox 360 and pay nothing cept Netflix subscription. Or Pay 40 bucks and get access with your Xbox 360 and PS3 to Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, The Food Network, HGTV, etc..etc...etc. for free (Netflix you have to have a subscription. )

The Fuzz
www.thefuzznetwork.com

Netflix, please add parental controls to your Netflix add-on for Media Center. Love everything else you do. Don't let me down on this one, or the rest of the parents who wouldn't want our kids to run into Californication episode looking for iCarly.

[bradenisme]

why not connect it with the ps3 another sony product. why not make all sony products work together?

[celticbrewer]

not everyone with a ps3 has a sony tv, and vice versa. They're just trying to maximize their offerings. My Sony receiver has a media link connector- I wonder if they could interface there, too.

I love netflix on my PS3 (along with UT, Amazon VOD, Hulu, adultswim, discovery, espn, etc...). I had no problem spending $20 on PlayOn- it was the best $20 I've spent in a long time.

[R1one]

netflix please please add closed caption to your internet video streaming pls pls

[jpfalcone]

Supposedly, Netflix is on track to add captions in 2010:

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6665497.html

who ever decide to create netflix was a genius i just wish they would make it free on the 360 instead of paying the extra 50-60 a year

[blusky08]

Hello Sony! WHY isn't Netflix simply available on your so-called home media center, PS3? What is the benefit of this master internet streaming device (besides games) again? Even Xbox can stream Netflix. Every computer can stream it. But no, not PS3 as you try to force people to use your own crummy service. Yeah, let's allow only new Sony TVs and the quirky and exclusive Bravia Internet link to perform such a basic function.

[bassicallythebomb]

if you have watched sony in the last 2 years, they have been building an infrascructure of services. they started with a few on their external box, added many over the last year, and now the same services are coming immediately on the TV platform. my guess is that they are creating these new services so that they can reuse them on any other Sony platforms. who knows, maybe the PS3 is next? so i would keep an eye on this company. there could be great things in the future.

[nYtrus112]

Dear SAMSUNG....i recently bought an LN52B750....ya know....a comparable if not better net-enabled TV. Can we get this too????? Thanks!

[jpfalcone]

It's possible--but not guaranteed--that TVs with Yahoo Widgets (like the LNB750 series) will get a Netflix upgrade in the future. Netflix is consistently mentioned as a Yahoo Widgets partner, but we have yet to see any definitive info on a Netflix widget.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10217972-1.html

[Wannabe Actuary]

Yeah, I'll stick with using my 360, which is already connected to my receiver by HDMI for surround sound. If I were to stream anything directly to my tv, then I have to run an audio cable from my tv back to my receiver. Kinda defeats the purpose of a nice clean wall mounted setup.

[scoop_newsworthy]

So when is the release date? Pull the trigger...

[allisonis]

I'm with scoop. What's the ETA? One could argue "Fall" is quickly giving way to winter...