European TVs with Netflix remote buttons available this month

A number of TV and Blu-ray player manufacturers will begin marketing devices with dedicated Netflix buttons on their remote controls in Europe from this month.

Manufacturers Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Toshiba and Vestel have said they will sell devices with Netflix buttons in Europe. The remote controls will be included with 2015 as well as some 2014 model year products.

Netflix buttons have been common on some US TVs for a number of years.

The dedicated Netflix buttons on remote controls are part of a broader effort by Netflix to push its profile on devices. The SVoD company is also working with manufactures to ensure that its service works better on smart TVs with easier menu navigation and features such as faster playback start and resume functionality. The company launched a ‘Recommended TV’ programme at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

“The new Netflix button on remotes in Europe makes watching Netflix as easy as changing the channel on traditional TV, allowing viewers to enjoy our great programming much quicker,” said Bill Holmes, head of business development for Netflix.