LG and Netflix have already announced that select TVs produced by the Korean electronics company will be the first to stream Netflix's Watch Now video service without the need for an additional set-top box. Today LG fleshed out details on specific models.
The company will put Netflix and a host of other broadband content options into one series of LCD TVs, the LH50 models detailed here, as well as the PS80 series of plasmas. The LH50 series will come in two sizes: the 47-inch 47LH50 and the 42-inch 42LH50. Pricing was not announced at the show, but the LCDs will ship in late spring.
In addition to Netflix streaming, the sets will be able to access YouTube videos, utilize Yahoo widgets--on-screen applications with real-time info like weather, stock tickers, financial news, Yahoo! Video, Flickr images, etc--and connect to a networked PC or USB device via a port on the TV to access photos and music (but not video). They utilize an Ethernet connection for all this broadband content; the company does not offer a specific wireless option, although third-party wireless bridges should work.
Additional features include a 120Hz refresh rate with dejudder processing, four HDMI inputs, and a room lighting sensor to help cut down on power consumption.
Like most LG HDTVs, the LH50 models also boast extensive picture controls, including the same 10-point IRE system and full color-management controls we liked on the company's 2008 models. A new "picture wizard" is available as well, which employs a series of on-screen test patterns to ease user calibration.
LG LH50 models
- LG 47LH50 ($TBD)
- LG 42LH50 ($TBD)