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Netflix streams TV and film to British screens

Netflix SetupOn-demand film and TV service Netflix is launching a UK service across TVs, Blu-ray players, games consoles, PCs and mobile devices.

The Netflix library features Hollywood blockbusters like The Expendables, US TV shows such as 24 and UK hits including The Only Way Is Essex, many in HD with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

Netflix has deals with the BBC, CBS, 4oD, Disney, ITV, MGM, Miramax, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox and Viacom (home of MTV and Comedy Central).

Subscriptions start from £5.99 a month, and can be accessed across any compatible device with a broadband connection.

“We are starting 2012 in the best possible way: by giving consumers in the UK and Ireland an amazing entertainment experience,” said Reed Hastings, co-founder and chief executive officer of Netflix. “Now, you can enjoy as many great films and TV programmes as you want, when you want, where you want, for one low monthly price with no contracts or commitments.”

Netflix’s hardware partners at launch include LG’s Blu-ray players and home theatre systems, Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, Samsung’s Smart TVs, iOS and Android phones and tablets, and smart TV adapters from Philips, Western Digital and Roku.

Netflix said it has tens of thousands of hours of films and TV programmes available at launch, with recent big screen hits such as Paul Blart: Mall Cop, first-rate American programmes such as Breaking Bad, 24 and 90210; previous full seasons of UK favourites including The Only Way is Essex, Top Gear, The Inbetweeners and Torchwood.

There’s a wide-range of documentaries, art house films and classics ranging from The 39 Steps and The Aviator to Man on Wire, The Men Who Stare at Goats, The Princess Bride and Once. You’ll need a minimum broadband speed of 500kbps, although HD streaming requires at least 2Mbps.

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