LG Packs Vudu Streaming Movie Service into NetCast Televisions

LG Electronics plans to roll Vudu's high-definition streaming movie service into its NetCast line of LCD and plasma televisions beginning in August.

LG Electronics has announced it will be rolling access to Vudu’s high-definition streaming movie service into its NetCast line of high-definition LCD and plasma televisions beginning next month—and existing LG Broadband TV owners will also be able to add the Vudu service to their existing sets. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but adding Vudu service provides customers purchase and rental access to a significant catalog of high-definition titles in Vudu’s HDX format, supporting 1080p resolution and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound.

“Our alliance with Vudu further demonstrates LG’s commitment to delivering the ultimate HD viewing experience, by providing instant access to more 1080p movie content than ever before,” said LG Electronics USA’s senior marketing VP Peter Reiner, in a statement.

Vudu’s catalog currently offers over 2,000 high-definition titles; once purchased or rented, titles begin playing almost immediately, and users can fast-forward, rewind, and browser through the content. Vudu adds to its catalog weekly, including new major studio releases.

LG’s NetCast televisions also provide access to streaming movies, televisions shows, and Web-based video when hooked up to an owner’s existing in-home broadband Internet connection.

Landing a major electronic manufacturer like LG is a major leg up for Vudu as it continues to compete with the likes of Netflix and Blockbuster for the on-demand digital video market; industry watchers expect Vudu to ink additional deals with HDTV manufacturers in the coming months.