For awhile I have been following the digital living room wars as products like Vudu, Apple Tv, and Roku’s Netflix box hope to change how consumers utilize digital media. I also think I did a pretty decent job chronicling the now resoloved HD DVD vs Blu Ray format war.
Awhile back I blogged about LG’s partnerhsip with Netflix to develop a similar box to Vudu. Guess what, LG’s box is here and not only can it stream 12,000 Netflix movies, it also plays Blu Ray discs.
Per Cnet
“With the LG box, due to come out this fall, Netflix subscribers will be able to make use of Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs and also to tap into an online repository of about 12,000 movies and TV episodes (a fraction of the overall inventory at Netflix). The service will be available to subscribers at no additional charge.”
So while the format war is over, a new lets call it a Cold War has been brewing among technology early adopters. Blu ray or digiatl media. I know I wrestle with this as I debate buying a Blu Ray movie at the store or just downloading a movie to my Vudu. Its not an issue for many as both technologies are in their infancy’s but I can see this being a growing issue in 2011 and beyond.
LG’s box is great because high end consumer with Netflix or jut an avid movie buff considering getting Netflix users can buy this box and rest assured its the only box they will need for most likely the next decade. Additionally there is no added charge for Netflix subscribers other than the box itself.
Yes its expensive (rumored to be $300-$400) and I am sure a year from now the price will be lower, but its a safe buy. Netflix isn’t going anywhere and its likely that the 12,000 titles will only increase from here on out. Blu Ray isn’t going anywhere and the amount of Blu Ray titles will dramatically escalate in 2009. The LG box also plays standard DVD’s as well.
With Netflix’s member base and the product’s dynamic functionality, barring some notable product flaws I think you’ll see LG take a dominant position in the digital living room race especially if they market the product well for the upcoming Holiday season.
