Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Apr 10, 2015 21:15:44 GMT -6
variety.com/2015/digital/news/netflix-announces-first-recommended-tv-partners-1201467431/
Netflix Announces First ‘Recommended TV’ Partners
Connected TVs from Sony, LG and Roku partners Hisense, Insignia and TCL in initial batch of streamer's certification program
Netflix revealed the initial partners for the “Netflix Recommended TV” certification program, giving the seal of approval to Internet-connected sets from LG, Sony and Roku-based TVs from Hisense, Insignia and TCL
Announced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in January, the program is designed to promote Internet-connected televisions that include instant “wake-up” capability; fast app launch; and faster resume of video playback. Netflix’s strategy: to get itself front-and-center for to consumers looking to
The TVs that Netflix has OK’d under the “Recommended TV” criteria, which will sport an accompanying logo in retail channels, are: LG’s 2015 4K Ultra HD TVs with webOS 2.0; Sony’s Android-based full HDTVs; and Roku TVs from Best Buy’s Insignia (pictured above), Hisense and TCL.
“When you’re shopping for a new TV and see the Netflix Recommended TV logo, it means that TV will offer easy access to Internet TV services, faster performance and new features that enable a next-generation smart TV experience,” Netflix director of product development Brady Gunderson and director of business development David Holland wrote in a blog post Tuesday.
The Netflix execs said they’re particularly excited about the “instant-on” functionality of the Roku TVs and the Sony Android Full HDTVs. “These TVs wake up quickly, remembering where you left off, similar to how smartphones and tablets behave today,” they said. The Sony and Roku TVs also are capable of turning on — and launching Netflix — with the press of a single button on the remote control.
Over the next few months, Netflix said it expects more manufacturers to join the “Recommended TV” program, which at first will be only available in the U.S. At CES, it said it expected TVs from Sharp Electronics and Vizio to also be part of the program. More info is available at netflix.com/recommendedtv.