We’ve known Best Buy’s CinemaNow streaming service was in the works, but it’s finally ready to launch this month. Users who have an LG Blu-ray player will have access to $3-$4 rentals first, with purchases costing $9.99 to $19.99.

As they fine tune the service, it will be available across platforms just like Netflix and the others. Our guess is that you probably won’t be using the service.

Verismo Networks recently added Roxio CinemaNow streaming media purchases for the VuNow IPTV box, further enhancing the usefulness of the device. The video-on-demand box can already show streaming content from local network storage or YouTube, but now adds access to Sonic Solutions’ 250 content providers.

The VuNow system is a set-top box that comes in both standard and HD versions along with a USB Wi-Fi dongle to stream content straight onto the VuNow. That’s not all though. Apart from CinemaNow content and YouTube, this setup will be able to connect to popular websites, internet TV and will play content stored on USB drives.

CinemaNow has announced that it’s partnering with Fujisoft to deliver movies to the Nintendo Wii. The service will initially launch in Japan, where the Japanese will be able to watch catalog titles from Paramount Pictures. The service is called “Minna no Theater Wii” over there.

Will we see this hot in the states? We hope so. But you never know. I’d rather watch movies on a higher quality console myself, but to each their own.

Laptops are great for viewing various youtube videos and the like, but when you get a few people huddled around the screen you are forced to deal with awkward viewing angles on said laptop. If you want to watch Youtube videos as a family, the VuNow Pod is another option.

It’s a palm sized set top box that is also the first solution to allow consumers to watch content from the web directly on their television, without having to connect a computer. It lets users experience the content together on the big screen TV. Best of all, no awkward viewing angles etc.

LG isn’t standing still with their Blu-ray disc players. Instead they are taking them to the next level for ’09, promising support for YouTube and CinemaNow videos on their next generation decks. Along with Netflix, which is now standard, owners can browse CinemaNow pay-per-view offerings and other stores powered by the service.

You’ll also be able to sort through YouTube’s immense catalog directly from the device. No word yet on price and we’re waiting for some more detailed specs, but hopefully we will know more in early January.