Bd300 -- Engadget

Engadget's Netflix HD streaming shootout

by Nilay Patel posted Jan 19th 2009 at 11:08AM

Netflix seems to be doing things right when it comes to the streaming game, partnering with several hardware companies in an attempt to make its service more or less ubiquitous -- a pretty sharp break from the proprietary hardware approach taken by most of its competitors. That means Netflix subscribers have quite a few choices when it comes to streaming, and we thought we'd put the ones available now head-to-head and try to crown a winner. The good news? There isn't a mediocre choice out there. The bad? Well, read on.

Update: We shot another video to answer some lingering questions about the Roku player, check it below.

Continue reading Engadget's Netflix HD streaming shootout

LG's BD300 next in line for HD Netflix streaming

by Darren Murph posted Nov 26th 2008 at 9:29PM

Remember when we heard that Microsoft's Xbox 360 was just one of many boxes that would support HD Netflix streaming over the next few months? Yeah, well we get the impression that the first week in December will be the go-live date for a smattering of new units. Just hours after hearing that Samsung's BD-P2500 and BD-P2550 Blu-ray decks would be receiving a free update to enable high-def Netflix support, along comes a strikingly similar release from LG tipping us off on a strikingly similar update for its BD300. Said BD player, which has supported Watch Instantly from day one, will also support HD streaming after a gratis firmware upgrade in "early December." Mmm, we definitely like where this is headed.

LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck ships on October 10 for $349

by Darren Murph posted Oct 2nd 2008 at 10:42PM

Contrary to what LG coerced us into believing at CEDIA, its Netflix / Blu-ray-lovin' BD300 will actually be sold a full $50 cheaper than the previously quoted $399.95. Circuit City has the deck up for pre-order right this very moment for $349.99 (okay, so maybe that's not a full $50, but c'mon), and better still, the retailer is listing an October 10th release date. Now that Netflix has inked deals with CBS, ABC and Starz, there's just one question left: are you in for three fifty?

[Thanks, Joshua]

Hands-on with LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck

by Darren Murph posted Sep 4th 2008 at 5:31PM

When we waltzed over to have a gander at LG's recently priced BD300, one of the reps on hand wasn't so keen on letting us take close-ups. Not one to just roll over and accept a command, we casually walked over to the other BD300 kiosk, flashed the Engadget gang sign to the much kinder rep, and continued on to snap a few shots of the new box. The unit set up was fully functional and able to stream Netflix movies, and it even detected the network connection before playing in order to deliver the best quality without introducing skips and stutters. Feel free to get all up in your monitor when checking out the gallery over at Engadget HD, we won't hassle ya. One love.

LG's BD300 Netflix / Blu-ray deck ships next month for $399.95

by Darren Murph posted Sep 3rd 2008 at 8:33PM

We hate to say we called it, but our complete in-the-dark guess of just under four C-notes was right on the money. LG has just announced that it's BD300 Network Blu-ray player (and Netflix streamer) will begin shipping to national retailers (Best Buy, Circuit City, Bass Pro Shops, etc.) next month (as in, a month later than initially anticipated) for $399.95. Not the cheapest BonusView-enabled deck in the mix, but given the Netflix functionality tossed in on the side, we can still see quite a few folks joining the BD camp with this one. Matter of fact, we'll just go ahead and ask -- is this your ticket into the Blu?

LG's BD300 Netflix & Blu-ray box lightly stroked

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 1st 2008 at 1:18PM

Need some early impressions of how LG's BD300 Blu-ray / Netflix combo player feels from the couch? Crave got some seat time in front of the device last night, finding its handling of Netflix streams basically the same as the Roku Netflix Player, unfortunately with a much larger price tag. The remote's home button may also link up to music and photos from a PC or the USB port, while BD Live support is present and accounted for. Hit the read link for a few more details ahead of the September launch, and hope "well under $500" is more like $399 at most.

LG's BD300 Network Blu-ray player to stream Netflix in September

by Thomas Ricker posted Jul 31st 2008 at 12:35AM

We've been following the rumor since January, today it's official: LG's BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc Player will begin streaming Netflix movies in the US this September. The player will cost "well under $500" and allow Netflix members to stream more than 12,000 standard definition TV and films through the device at no additional increase to their monthly paid subscriptions. Members will use the Netflix website to add movies or TV to their individual instant queues. Movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds when selected from the TV where users can browse, make selections, read synopses, rate movies, and fast-forward / rewind video streams using the BD300's remote control. While specs on the player itself are scarce, we do know that it supports BD Live and LG's SimpLink technology to integrate easily with LG TVs and AV products. One thing's for sure, with this deal announced and those with Roku and the Xbox 360 in the bag, it looks like Netflix is grown-up and ready for the digital age.