David Farnor | On 07, Jan 2015

Netflix is known for its data-driven recommendation engine, which suggests shows and films subscribers will like every time they log in. Now, the VOD service is recommending TVs as well.

The “Netflix Recommended TV” scheme is an “independent smart TV evaluation program” to help consumers identify televisions built for a “superior Internet TV experience”.

““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,’’” explains 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.’’”

Among other performance criteria, the initiative recognises 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.

The scheme arrives in a busy year for Netflix, which will include everything from House of Cards Season 3 to the just-announced premiere of a Puss in Boots series and a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel, which will release simultaneously on the streaming site and in IMAX cinemas.

With the streaming media device market heating up – one report from Park Associates recently suggested that streaming players, such as Chromecast and Roku would account for a large number of Christmas gifts – consumers are increasingly looking for ways to watch Netflix and other VOD services on the big screen in their living room. Indeed, Roku has just announced plans to work with Netflix to produce 4K-ready sets in the coming 12 months.

Roku are just one of several brands in talks with the streaming company.

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.

“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,” adds Hunt.

“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.”

‘’”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,”’’ comments Masashi Imamura, president of Sony Visual Products Inc.

““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,”” says 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.””

Televisions given the Netflix badge of approval will be available at a range of price points and screen sizes.

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