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Re-activateHere at CES this week, you'll be hearing a lot about new "Smart TVs" that provide access to a greater amount of Internet content, plus something that's so far been lacking: full Web browsing. (Sony is the only TV manufacturer to currently offer this, via Google TV, on a limited number of sets.) Organizing all this content in a way consumers can easily find and use it has been a challege.
Addressing both issues, LG will be rolling out several new 3D TV lines—including full-HD active LCD models, passive Cinema Series LCD models, and active full-HD 3D plasma sets—that feature full Web browsing, plus a new Home Dashboard interface it says will make finding and accessing content easy for users.
These new features will appear in LK530, LV3700, LV5500, LW5600, LW6500, LW7700, LW9500, LW9700, PZ750, and PZ950 series models, to be available early in 2011. (Prices haven't been announced.)
To deal with all the extra content available on these sets—including full Web browsing, LG's NetCast Internet service that provides access to several streaming-movie services, and custom LG Apps, the company developed a new Home Dashboard interface, which has just four main sections: TV Live, Premium Content, TV Apps and Launcher Bar. All operations can be controlled by the motion-sensitive Magic Motion remote control, which contains only a few actual buttons.The TVs also include another feature, called Smart Share, that lets users wirelessly stream content from PCs and other compatible devices to their TV for viewing. Included in Smart Share is Media Link, which provides cover art, liner notes and other information for content being streamed.
For those who've already purchased a TV or Blu-ray player without Web access, LG will offer a separate settop box called the Smart TV Upgrader (ST600), which brings similar services—including Web browsing, NetCast, Smart Share and LG Apps—to TVs. The box, which will compete with other standalone boxes such as Apple TV, Boxee Box by D-Link, Logitech Revue and Roku, has built-in Wi-Fi, and will be available in the second quarter. Pricing hasn't yet been announced.
We expect to see more Smart TVs, including more with full Web browsing, unveiled at CES this week, and we're looking forward to having some hands-on time with many of these new devices. So keep checking back for our regular updates at the show.
—James K. Willcox
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