2010 LG TVs - No update for Netflix Canada - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

WestCDA · 2010-10-08, 03:46 PM

I recently purchased an LG LE425400 LED set, primarily because of the minimal depth when wall mounted.

The Canadian market sets come with a network connection (wired and wireless via an optional USB dongle), and two applets for YouTube and Picassa. The U.S. sets have a few more applets including Netflix. I contacted LG to find out when/if they would be providing access to Netflix Canada via firmware update, and this was their response:

LG is excited that Netflix is available to Canadians. The success we enjoyed in the US with the first generation of Netflix on Blu-ray players and TVs demonstrated the strong interest and convenience to our customers.

We are working directly with Netflix to ensure that all of our 2011 NetCast products fully incorporate Netflix Canada functionality, however due to the new hardware requirements of the latest version of the Netflix platform, current and previous LG TV and AV products cannot be upgraded via a firmware or software update.

Incremental product releases with Netflix isn’t the approach we want to take. Instead it’s our opportunity to enhance the Netflix feature in 2011 and do so across our full line of products.

Regards
Dave H.
LG Customer Service
LG Canada

Not a major deal for me, as I stream Netflix via my PS3, but thought others who own or are considering these sets might be interested.

skypilot · 2010-10-08, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Not a major deal for me, as I stream Netflix via my PS3, but thought others who own or are considering these sets might be interested.

I'm disappointed in this, especially with my recent purchases. My only option is to stream Netflix 480p over the Wii

. Not the best resolution option!

Metralla · 2010-10-08, 07:49 PM

Thank you for posting this info. I have been trying to find out when LG will provide Netflix support to the LG BD570c.

The american version (LG BD570) does support Netflix, "hardware" should not be a valid exuse. $%@#!

Maybe is time for an Apple TV?

WestCDA · 2010-10-09, 02:17 PM

I agree, it seems strange that the LG devices do fully support the American Netflix service with the existing hardware, yet they claim it's incapable of handling the Canadian service. As both services are providing the same type of content, it's hard to understand how the hardware could be a limiting factor.

Other manufacturers like Samsung (according to other reports here) have succesfully added the Canadian Netflix service via firmware updates, using their existing hardware platform.

mark2000 · 2010-10-12, 01:18 PM

What a shocker. I almost find it hard to believe it can't be done with a firmware upgrade? That doesn't make sense?

I just bought the LE5400 and I'm still within the 30 day return window...I wonder if I should return it. But then who knows how long it will take before a decently-priced LG LED LCD set with Netflix comes onto the Canadian market.

ScaryBob · 2010-10-12, 03:52 PM

Since LG is clearly not interested in providing ongoing support for their TVs, I would be looking for another brand of TV.

2010-10-08, 03:46 PM	#1
WestCDA Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 846	2010 LG TVs - No update for Netflix Canada I recently purchased an LG LE425400 LED set, primarily because of the minimal depth when wall mounted. The Canadian market sets come with a network connection (wired and wireless via an optional USB dongle), and two applets for YouTube and Picassa. The U.S. sets have a few more applets including Netflix. I contacted LG to find out when/if they would be providing access to Netflix Canada via firmware update, and this was their response: LG is excited that Netflix is available to Canadians. The success we enjoyed in the US with the first generation of Netflix on Blu-ray players and TVs demonstrated the strong interest and convenience to our customers. We are working directly with Netflix to ensure that all of our 2011 NetCast products fully incorporate Netflix Canada functionality, however due to the new hardware requirements of the latest version of the Netflix platform, current and previous LG TV and AV products cannot be upgraded via a firmware or software update. Incremental product releases with Netflix isn’t the approach we want to take. Instead it’s our opportunity to enhance the Netflix feature in 2011 and do so across our full line of products. Regards Dave H. LG Customer Service LG Canada Not a major deal for me, as I stream Netflix via my PS3, but thought others who own or are considering these sets might be interested.

2010-10-12, 03:52 PM	#6
ScaryBob Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Dandelion City Posts: 7,133	Since LG is clearly not interested in providing ongoing support for their TVs, I would be looking for another brand of TV. __________________ At 20 I had a good mind. At 40 I had money. At 60 I've lost my mind and my money. Oh, to be 20 again. --Scary

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2010-10-08, 07:49 PM	#3
Metralla Rookie Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1	Thank you for posting this info. I have been trying to find out when LG will provide Netflix support to the LG BD570c. The american version (LG BD570) does support Netflix, "hardware" should not be a valid exuse. $%@#! Maybe is time for an Apple TV?

2010-10-09, 02:17 PM	#4
WestCDA Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 846	I agree, it seems strange that the LG devices do fully support the American Netflix service with the existing hardware, yet they claim it's incapable of handling the Canadian service. As both services are providing the same type of content, it's hard to understand how the hardware could be a limiting factor. Other manufacturers like Samsung (according to other reports here) have succesfully added the Canadian Netflix service via firmware updates, using their existing hardware platform.

2010-10-12, 01:18 PM	#5
mark2000 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 90	What a shocker. I almost find it hard to believe it can't be done with a firmware upgrade? That doesn't make sense? I just bought the LE5400 and I'm still within the 30 day return window...I wonder if I should return it. But then who knows how long it will take before a decently-priced LG LED LCD set with Netflix comes onto the Canadian market.