Netflix the popular dvd by mail order company are further cementing their leading position in the internet movies on demand arena. They announced at the CES that they have reached an agreement with five partners to manufacture Netflix-ready devices this year. They include Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp and Toshiba. The companies will produce Netflix ready televisions and Blu-ray players ready to stream movies and TV shows.

Netflix Devices Expanding

Netflix now have a very strong foothold in the market and offer a monthly service for $8.99 which allows users to view unlimited Netflix streams to Netflix-ready devices, which are increasing all the time. Existing Netflix players include Blu-ray disc players from LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony and Insignia. As well as featuring on top game consoles from Sony and Microsoft.

Netflix also revealed an agreement with Warner Bros to make new releases available to Netflix members after a 28 day window on new releases. The window is intended to boost dvd sales as the first month is the main buying time on a new release.

It is bad news for rival dvd giant Blockbuster who were close to bankruptcy last year, on the back of closing down 545 locations in 2008. The company also said in September it could close a total of up to 960 stores by the end of 2010.

Blockbuster have been trying to compete with Netflix using DVD rental service – ‘Total Access’. This however is not doing very well, so they are trying to compete at the lower end by offering movies for $1 per night a la Redbox.

Welcome to WorldTVPC Blog dedicated to bringing the latest news from the world of online tv

Steve Sanger

View all posts by Steve Sanger
Steves website

Related News:

1. Netflix movie subscribers hit 10 million plus
2. Boxee adopts the Netflix movie streams
3. Netflix to offer dedicated online Movie rental service
4. Samsung Blu ray players getting the Netflix makeover
5. Amazon roll out High Definition TV on demand