We were all pretty giddy earlier this year when news hit that LG’s BD300 Blu-ray player would be the first to include Netflix streaming so you could do the “Watch Instantly” feature from the video rental service.

Then Netflix started partnering to stream its 12,000-plus “Watch Instantly” movies to a couple of Samsung Blu-ray players, TiVo, and Xbox 360 among others. The wow factor began to wear down a little, and the bigger question became whether or not these streaming services would let you watch Netflix instantly in high-definition.

Xbox answered that one first, and now others are joining the party—including the LG BD300.

LG recently announced that an early December firmware update will give the Netflix instant streaming feature a boost to HD capability.

Netflix, to its credit, has improved its offerings of the streaming titles since introducing the service with mainly catalog titles (which wouldn’t include too many available in HD anyway). The company keeps adding to the lineup though, and has gone over 12,000 movies and TV programs now, with more newer releases available.

LG didn’t give a specific date as to when the firmware would be available, but since it said “early December” be on the lookout soon and you’ll be streaming HD flicks in time for your kids’ winter vacation.

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!