Netflix was LG's first partner on the instant-streaming front. In fact, LG was the first manufacturer to stream movies instantly from Netflix on a Network Blu-ray Disc Player. By adding CinemaNow's library of TV shows and videos -- and YouTube's viral video community, with its growing catalog of HD offerings -- LG is priming the pump for the sale of its new Blu-ray products at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

As millions of U.S. consumers view and download movies or TV shows through the Internet, they are demanding easier ways to access content and more home-entertainment options, according to Tim Alessi, LG's director of product development.

"From Blu-ray to instant streaming, from Netflix to CinemaNow and YouTube, LG is bridging the gap between packaged media and video-on-demand services to provide entertainment solutions for consumers' demand for content," Alessi said. "With these new alliances, LG continues its innovation leadership by allowing consumers easy access to multiple entertainment options in one device."

A Trio of Offerings

Joining forces with CinemaNow means LG Electronics can offer consumers access to more than 14,000 titles from the major movie studios, broadcast and cable television shows, more than 250 independent film titles, and music videos from all major labels. Consumers can browse the entire CinemaNow library, instantly stream content, and access and watch movies purchased from other CinemaNow-powered stores.

Meanwhile, LG's alliance with online video community YouTube makes it possible for consumers to instantly stream millions of Web videos directly from the Internet to an LG Network Blu-ray Player for viewing on their television -- without a personal computer. That means unlimited access to millions of videos on topics such as current events, instructional videos for hobbies and interests, and comedic and viral videos. Consumers can also search, see thumbnail previews and view the videos with multiple screen-size viewing options.

"YouTube is an important addition because it's free and it's also very popular," said Phil Leigh, a senior analyst at Inside Digital Media. "It's good that CinemaNow is available, but there's a number of other partners LG could have signed on. Amazon or Movielink both offer download services. I think we'll see a lot Blu-ray disc player manufacturers move in this direction as well."

LG Promises More To Come

LG isn't leaving Netflix out of the equation with its latest announcement. LG's Network Blu-ray Disc Player will deliver more Netflix titles in HD than before through a free online upgrade. The upgrade enhances the standard-definition streaming service LG introduced earlier this year.

LG said its future Network Blu-ray Disc Players will also offer consumers more ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix. Netflix members owning these devices pay one low monthly subscription fee for unlimited DVD rental and unlimited streaming.

LG was tight-lipped about what those new ways are. The company could be saving the news for CES next week, where it has promised to announce additional content, alliances and partnerships.