Samsung’s latest cunning plan
Samsung is equipping its Blu-ray DVD players so they can retrieve movies and TV shows from Netflix Internet streaming service.
The move is seen as accelerating Netflix's push to develop more delivery methods beyond sticking DVDs in the post. The deal which will be announced today and could set the stage for Netflix to embed software connecting to its streaming service directly into television sets made by Samsung.
In a press release, Netflix and Samsung said they are planning to plant the streaming capability in a variety of home entertainment products. Netflix has piped its online content through Blu-ray DVD players before. These were test devices built to show movies in high-definition quality that outshine traditional DVD players.
LG Electronics started selling a $350 Blu-ray player with Netflix streaming earlier this month. Samsung's connection to the Netflix service will work through two Blu-ray models, the BD-P2500 and BD-P2550, that have already been on the market. Consumers who already own those Samsung models will need a free software upgrade to make the players compatible with Netflix's streaming service.
Future models, carrying a suggested price of $400, will have the Netflix feature built-in.