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LG Unveils Bevy of HDTVs, Emphasis on Slim and Net-Connected

Geoff Duncan
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LG Electronics has unveiled its slate of high-definition television offerings at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the company’s offerings for 2010 will include no fewer than 39 new HDTVs aimed at virtually every segment of the consumer marketplace. As usual, however, the company’s emphasis is on the high end, particularly the LE9500, which will be the first 3D-capable HDTV LG offers in the United States and features a Magic Wand remote with minimal buttons and motion sensing technology to bring a “Wii-like” experience to using the television. Plus, the LE9500—and a large number of LG’s other HDTV offerings—will feature wireless connectivity (via a user’s home broadband connection) to NetCast online services, enabling them to tap into everything from Netflix to Vudu to YouTube to Napster to Skype from their televisions.

“We’re removing barriers to entertainment with very slim LED LCD TVs that couple wireless connectivity with the most access to online content,” said LG Electronics USA senior VP Peter Reiner, in a statement. “With seamless connectivity and limitless content, LG Infinia is resetting the standards for design and entertainment.”

LG Infinia LE9500 (CES 2010)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

LGs Infinia line will have three series—the LE9500, LE9500, and LE7500—dominated by 47- and 55-inch sets. At the top end, the LE9500 will feature a 480Hz refresh rate, LED backlighting with local dimming for improved picture quality and contrast, and a cabinet that’s just 0.92 inches thick. The LE9500 and LE8500 have also earned THX Display Certification—LG claims to be the only HDTV manufacturer to have pulled that off thanks to its “Full LED Slim” backlighting technology.

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Several of LG’s HDTV offerings will incorporate NetCast connectivity, which can latch onto a user’s existing home broadband connection wirelessly (or using a separate USB wireless adapter. The sets use DLNA technology for calling into DLNA devices like home media servers for accessing media, photos, and music from (say) NAS devices or computers on the network, but NetCast enables customers to reach out to services like Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Napster, and (now) Skype—although users will need a separate camera and probably a headset to use Skype effectively. The sets can also tap into Yahoo Widgets for things like news, weather, TV listings, and more.

What’s missing from LG’s blitz at CES? Availability and pricing information: the company is being mum about when its new HDTVs might be available in North America, or what they might cost.

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Geoff Duncan
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
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