Blu-ray Players Compatible With Netflix Streaming

Blu-ray digital disc players have a trick their digital videodisc (DVD) and video cassette recorder (VCR) ancestors could never do: they joined the networked world and offer Internet capability. With Internet access, you can watch Netflix instant streaming movies in the comfort of your living room. These Blu-ray players connect to your home's existing Internet service with either a standard Ethernet cable or via wireless networking.

LG

The Blu-ray players from LG have decent Blu-ray video performance and Netflix capability with a range of other features, depending on the model. Some models, such as the BD550, are standard Blu-ray players with Internet connectivity. The top-line BX580 has features such as 3D TV and built-in wireless networking. Other LG models offer what they call Smart TV, which combines Internet browsing, user-installable programs called "apps," YouTube and other media sources.

Samsung

Samsung's Blu-ray player lineup includes several models with their Samsung Apps Platform, providing access to Netflix and other Internet-based services. As with the offerings of competitive makers they have both standard and 3D players. In addition, Samsung offers wall-mountable and portable Blu-ray players, both which have Netflix capability.

Toshiba

Toshiba's BDX2700 Blu-ray player features Netflix instant video streaming over its built-in Wi-Fi connection. The BDX2500 model is Wi-Fi-ready, meaning it includes an Ethernet connection for networking. For wireless, you must purchase an additional universal serial bus (USB) wireless dongle or other USB device to enable the Wi-Fi network connection. The players feature full 1080p video resolution and Dolby DTS surround sound.

Sony

Sony offers several Blu-ray models with Netflix capabilty, including "component video" models controllable by the standard remote or by iPhone and Android smartphone apps. Their NSZ-GT1 Internet TV model has a remote control with a full keyboard, giving you full Internet browser access in addition to Blu-ray disc and Netflix streaming video. Sony's PlayStation 3 video game console also plays Blu-ray movies and connects to the Internet for Netflix.

References

• LG: BD550 Network Blu-ray Disc Player

About the Author

Chicago native J.T. Barett has a Bachelor of Science in physics from Northeastern Illinois University and has been writing since 1991. He has contributed to "Foresight Update," a nanotechnology newsletter from the Foresight Institute. He also contributed to the book, "Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance."

Photo Credits

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