Netflix announces 'Netflix Recommended TV' program

Monday, January 5th, 2015
Netflix logo

World’s Leading Internet Television Network to Recognize Best Smart TV Experiences with Logo Program

LAS VEGAS — CES — Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world’s leading Internet television network, today announced its “Netflix Recommended TV” program, an independent smart TV evaluation program to help consumers identify televisions built for a superior Internet TV experience.

Netflix Recommended TV

“We’ve created the Netflix Recommended TV program to help consumers identify smart TVs that offer better performance, easier menu navigation and new features that improve the experience for Internet TV services,” said Neil Hunt, chief product officer at Netflix. “When you see a TV with the Netflix Recommended TV logo, it means that TV will provide an excellent Netflix experience, based on criteria our members tell us matter most.”

Over the last seven years, Netflix engineers have worked with makers of Internet-ready televisions, game consoles, set-top boxes and mobile devices to test their products and ensure consumers get a great Netflix experience right out of the box. With the Netflix Recommended TV logo, TV manufacturers will be able to highlight products that offer both the best Netflix experience and superior smart TV performance.

This spring, Sony Electronics, LG Electronics, Sharp Electronics, VIZIO and manufacturers of Roku TVs™ are expected to be among the first smart TV set-makers to deliver models designated by Netflix to receive a ‘Netflix Recommended TV’ logo. Among other performance criteria also expected to be announced this spring, the program recognizes consumer benefits including turning the TV on instantly, faster app launch and faster resume of video playback. Though initially a US-based program, global television manufacturers will incorporate many of these features in sets sold worldwide.

“As more and more of Sony BRAVIA TV customers choose streaming to watch movies and TV shows, the Netflix Recommended TV program will point them to some of the innovative features we’re introducing to make Internet TV just as easy and intuitive as linear TV,” said Masashi Imamura, president of Sony Visual Products Inc.

Televisions certified under the program will be available at many different price points and screen sizes.

“LG’s webOS Smart TVs are designed to make navigating today’s state-of-the-art TV systems fast and simple, so that consumers can spend more time enjoying the content they love,” said William Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics USA. “We are thrilled to be part of this program that recognizes and communicates the quality of the Netflix experience on smart TVs.”