Remote controls to get Netflix Button

Andre Yoskowitz
4 Jan 2011 13:35

Netflix has announced today that it has made deals with HDTV and DVD/Blu-ray player makers in an effort to put one-click "Netflix Buttons" on remote controls starting this Spring.
The button would lead users directly to their Netflix accounts, making the process easier than clicking through other menus.

Says Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey (via WSJ):

"We’ve always regarded ubiquity on devices as our strategy, and we want to be present there as simply and visibly as possible."

Sony, Sharp, Toshiba, Panasonic and Samsung have all made deals with Netflix to include the button on remotes for new Web-connected HDTVs and Blu-ray players.

Roku, maker of multiple set-top boxes that give Netflix and Amazon VOD access, will also include the button on its remotes.

Swasey did make it clear that the picture released (at left) will not be the real size of the button on the remote, but just the picture placed on the boxes of new items which will include the remotes with Netflix buttons.