We heard about LG adding Vudu movie rental streams to its broadband TVs earlier this summer, and now the service is going officially live.

The two companies launched the streaming for LG’s LH50 1080p LCD and PS80 1080p plasma series today, allowing you to stream Vudu’s high-definition video library and accompanying Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound straight from your networked TV.

LG already offers Netflix streaming through its “NetCast Entertainment Access” service on the broadband TVs, so adding Vudu to the arsenal seems like another no-brainer as display manufacturers beef up their video options.

Vudu had previously partnered with Vizio on streaming its high-quality rentals, which include proprietary HDX 1080p selections.

Vudu’s even throwing in the first HD or HDX movie rental free of charge to give you a taste of the service.

Other features include:

• Pay as you go to rent or buy, with no subscription or monthly fees.
• Instant streaming without long waits, buffering or downloads.
• Instant-start at all quality levels.
• Fast forward, rewind and browse chapters without delays or slow buffering.
• Weekly updates to the Vudu library, with new releases available same day as DVD.

As far as the TV selection, you’ll be able to get Vudu on the 42-, 47- and 55-inch class LH50s, as well as 50- and 60-inch PS80 series (prices of all range from $1,399 to $2,899). If you already own one, Vudu will be available as an automatic firmware upgrade.

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!