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LG rounds out Blu-ray lineup with Ethernet-only BD630

Along with its more high-profile Blu-ray releases, LG also announced the entry-level BD630, which has limited streaming services and no option to add Wi-Fi later.

Matthew Moskovciak Senior Associate Editor / Reviews - Home theater
Covering home audio and video, Matthew Moskovciak helps CNET readers find the best sights and sounds for their home theaters. E-mail Matthew or follow him on Twitter @cnetmoskovciak.
Matthew Moskovciak

LG BD630 LG

LAS VEGAS--Built-in Wi-Fi is becoming less and less of a premium feature in Blu-ray players, but most manufacturers are still producing one budget Ethernet-only model. Along with its line of Wi-Fi Blu-ray players and the flagship, hard-drive packing BD690, LG has announced the entry-level BD630.

Like the BD640, the BD630 offers a stripped-down set of streaming media features (Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow, and YouTube streaming), rather than the more extensive Smart Apps platform that is available on high-end players. You also won't find other step-up features, such as 3D Blu-ray compatibility or DLNA personal media streaming. Unlike the BD640, there's no option to add a Wi-Fi dongle at a later time with the BD630. That's fine by us, as those USB Wi-Fi dongles are usually more expensive than simply buying a model with Wi-Fi built-in.

LG hasn't announced a release date or pricing for the BD630 yet, but we're hoping that entry-level players like this come in less than $100 this year.