LG will soon be adding Vudu to its TVs with its NetCast Internet service.
[ Photo courtesy of Vudu ]

Although Vizio announced it first, it looks like LG will be the first TV company to offer access to Vudu’s streaming movie service when it’s added to LH50-series LCD and PS80-series plasma TVs next month.

Owners of these new TVs will be able to buy or rent both standard-def and HD movies, plus TV shows, from Vudu directly from their TV via LG’s "NetCast Entertainment Access" online service. Most content is streamed, but movies in  Vudu's HDX format—which are downloaded—will be part of the mix. In CR’s tests of some of the new TV services, Vudu’s HDX movies were top-rated for picture quality, and are delivered in 1080p with 5.1-channel surround sound.

All the new LG LH50 LCDs and PS80 plasma TVs, ranging in size from 42 to 60 inches, include LG’s NetCast service, which uses Yahoo’s Internet widgets to provide access to online content from partners including Netflix and YouTube, among others. Owners of currently available models—the 47-inch 47LH50 LCD ($1,700) and 50-inch 50PS80 plasma ($1,800)—will be able to get the Vudu service next month. Newer 42-inch LCD and 60-inch plasma sets will also be available next month.

Vizio announced about a month ago that new “VIA” models would include access to the Vudu service. Those sets, however, aren’t expected to be available until early fall. —James K. Willcox

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