LG Expands Netflix Deal

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS/LOS
GATOS, January 5: Expanding its alliance with Netflix, LG Electronics has
unveiled a line of broadband-enabled high-definition TVs that will stream
content directly from the online movie rental company.

Netflix subscribers will
be able to watch a library of movies and TV episodes directly on LG's new LCD
and plasma Broadband HDTVs without an external device. Launching in the spring,
the line joins the LG BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player, the first Blu-ray disc
player to stream movies instantly from Netflix. Five new models of Blu-ray disc
players and home theater systems are planned for 2009.

"Embedding the
Netflix streaming software in the television is a natural progression of our
partnership with Netflix and our innovative product line," said Teddy
Hwang, the president of LG Electronics USA. "This is an LG industry-first,
which provides another flexible option for consumers seeking to access exciting
content directly through their HDTV."

"LG Electronics was
first to embrace Netflix as a streaming partner a year ago, and was first in
2008 to introduce a Blu-ray disc player that streams movies from Netflix,"
said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. "So it's fitting that LG is the first to
introduce Netflix instant streaming directly to the TV with these
next-generation HDTVs. The partnership between Netflix and LG Electronics
continues to give consumers more and better options for home
entertainment."

—By Mansha Daswani