Fascinating, eh? We have THX certified TVs and now we have “Netflix Recommended” TVs. But there is actually value in Netflix’s stamp of approval. Netflix is trying to make the “Smart TV” experience better for everyone.
Panasonic’s UHD TVs have been approved
Panasonic has announced that its entire 2015 line-up of Ultra HD TVs running Firefox OS are now “Netflix Recommended”, including CX850, CX800, CX650 and CX600. So what does that mean exactly?
It means that the TVs have undergone, and passed, Netflix’s evaluation that consider factors such as “waking up quickly, remembering where you left off, similar to how smartphones and tablets behave today” and “fast video playback”. Netflix also demands that the TV must turn on instantly, and then it must provide easy access to, well Netflix. No surprise there. There is more information on the program here.
But Netflix’s evaluation might actually be more than just a self-serving promotion scheme. If you already own a Smart TV you know that the user experience certainly leaves room for improvement. It is nothing like using a modern smartphone. If Netflix can force TV manufacturers to address the most important elements of the user experience it will benefit everyone. A rising tide lifts all boats.
LG’s webOS 2.0 TVs, Sony’s W80C and W85C, Hisense’s H7, and Roku TVs from Hisense, Insignia, Sharp, and TCL are also “Netflix Recommended”. Samsung’s new Tizen-based Smart TVs are notably missing from the list. Netflix’s “Recommended TV” program is already active in the US and will be launched in Europe later.
