LG TVs to Stream Youtube

LG TVs to Stream Youtube

LAS VEGAS, US - THE convergence of television and the Internet quickened on Wednesday as LG Electronics unveiled high-definition sets linked to YouTube as well as the US online movie rental service Netflix.

The South Korean electronics giant kicked off a day of Consumer Electronics Show press conferences by touting its latest technology and partnerships with Internet titans Yahoo, YouTube, and Netflix.

'We will be the first manufacturer to add Netflix content to television,' said LG chief technology officer Woo Paik, considered by some the 'father of HD TV' for his pioneering work on high-definition technology.

We will add support for YouTube and form partnerships with other online video providers.' LG and online movie rental giant Netflix displayed 'Broadband HDTVs' embedded with Netflix streaming software embedded in the TV, allowing users to stream movies directly from Netflix with no external device.

'That's a goal of course, to get movies to the TV,' Netflix vice-president Steve Swasy said after the press conference.

'We think DVDs will be around another five to ten years, but we want to be where things are going in the future.' Netflix still makes the bulk of its money mailing DVD movie rentals to members that create film preference lists at the California company's website, according to Mr Swasy.

Flat-panel LG TV sets with 'NetCast Entertainment Access' also let viewers watch video streamed from Google-owned YouTube.

A Yahoo Widget Engine uses mini computer applications to link LG televisions to the California Internet firm's news, sports and weather websites along with other online properties.

LG showed off the plasma and liquid-crystal display (LCD) Broadband HDTVs a day before the official start of a premier Consumer Electronics Show (CES) being held in Las Vegas this week.

'LG's new capability broadens the user experience to include not only entertainment content, but also up-to-the minute news, stock information, weather updates, photo management and more by simply using the TV's remote control,' said LG USA marketing vice president Peter Reiner. -- AFP