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LG Electronics plans to launch over 70 TVs this year with new technologies including 3D TV, Freeview HD, wireless HD, broadband TV with wireless internet and Skype (7/1/2010)

LG Electronics (LG) today announces the brand new technologies which are set to take LG TVs to the next level in 2010. Among the innovations in the new line-up is: 3D TV; Freeview HD; wireless HD; strengthened broadband TV capabilities, including wireless internet and Skype; with new, more intuitive user interfaces making it easier to take advantage of the benefits offered by the new generation of LG TVs.

To kick-start the year CES will see the launch of the new LG sub brand: “INFINIA” which will feature on a range of the company’s premium TV and Home Entertainment products. In addition LG is proud to confirm in Las Vegas that its new 15” OLED model, launched at IFA, will go on sale in the UK in Spring 2010.

This year will see LG Electronics (LG) further solidify its position as a global leader in home entertainment through a 2010 TV line up that will allow consumers to benefit from the latest cutting-edge technologies. Throughout the year LG will launch over 70 new TVs combining, a 30 per cent increase on last year, with an unprecedented number of TVs featuring the latest LED technology including Slim Full LED models.

This breadth of breakthrough innovations across the range demonstrates LG’s commitment to offering consumers the ultimate in choice on all levels. People purchasing an LG TV will now be able to choose a product which lets them view HD content on whichever platform suits them: Freeview HD, FreeSat, Satellite or cable plus Sky’s new 3D service. Andrew Warner, Marketing Director, LG Electronics UK says: “2010 will see the realisation of many new and exciting technologies in Home Entertainment that have been talked about in the industry for some time. At LG we believe all TV viewers in the UK deserve easy access to the best viewing experience. We are revolutionising the way people watch TV as well as offering choice through our broad portfolio. This allows consumers to select the most relevant features for their requirements on the platform of their choice whether it is LCD, LED, LCD or Plasma products. In addition, for the discerning TV buyer, our new INFINIA range offers the latest in premium Home Entertainment.

We know that there will inevitably be a level of consumer confusion around these new technologies so we are increasing investment in consumer education programmes such as our LG Xperience retail roadshows along with online and offline TV buyers’ guides. LG aims to assist consumer understanding of what can be a bewildering array of new TV innovations, to help them find the optimum product for their needs. In short; we will put a human face to technology.”

In this landmark year, when consumers will see a shift in the way they view TV, LG will remain at the forefront in the following major areas of innovation:

* INIFINA Range: LG’s new Home Entertainment sub-brand of products and associated accessories. An innovative new family of LED HDTVs, highlights the company’s 2010 lineup of LED and LCD HDTVs. LG INFINIA HDTVs (the LE9500, LE8500 and LE7500 series) combine a slim design and thin bezel with seamless connectivity and limitless content options.

- Freeview HD TV: With an exciting summer of sports just around the corner, LG is committed to having Freeview HD built into 50% of all its TVs this year so that consumers can enjoy HD picture quality without a contract or subscription.

- 3D TV: LG’s first 3D Ready TV will be available to consumers in April and will be compatible with Sky 3D TV when the programming launches later in the year. The 47 inch LCD TV will give viewers a further dimension for a more dramatic, immersive experience.

- Broadband TV: By the end of the year, the more than half of LG TVs will have broadband functionality built in so that consumers can access YouTube and Skype directly on their TVs. In addition to the above technologies, LG has identified the need to enhance the user’s experience by introducing a new user friendly interface to ensure consumers can easily access their TV’s features. Included with selected models within the INIFINA range will be a unique, point and click, “Magic Wand” remote system. This device brings together simplified menus, component controls and even embedded games, via a simple remote that combines minimal buttons and gestures to control the on-screen activity.

INFINIA Range

LG’s new INFINIA range includes Full LED Slim TVs with technology that elevates picture quality supporting detailed local dimming of up to 240 addressable segments, resulting in an HDTV that provides the deeper black levels and uniform picture quality which typically can not be achieved on an ultra-thin set. Boasting a thin bezel of only 8.5mm, the LE9500 brings advanced technology into the home without being obtrusive.

The INIFINIA range will be available from April 2010 and also includes other premium LED and Plasma models.

Freeview HD TV

With Freeview HD being rolled out across the nation over the next two years, and an exciting summer of sport just around the corner, LG is making Freeview HD TV a focus for 2010 and is committed to providing a market leading offering. Since the introduction of HD TV, consumers have been demanding a solution that allows them the best quality picture without having to commit to a subscription or contract. Life’s Good now that sports fans are given the opportunity to enjoy the summer of sport in high definition for free thanks to the integrated Freeview HD capabilities. LG is bringing this technology to market in 2010 so that the 50% of the UK population that has access to Freeview HD in time for the summer - and the 99% by the end of 2012 - will be able to take advantage of the service. Committed to offering a full set of solutions to meet the demands of each consumer, LG will also offer LED TVs with Freesat HD in so that, no matter what region consumers live in, they will be able to enjoy the summer of sport in High Definition for free with LG.

In 2010, half of LG TVs will have integrated Freeview HD capabilities and will roll across LCD, LED and Plasma TVs. This means Freeview HD will be available across a broad range of TVs at various price points to meet every need.

Freeview HD will be available in the following LG TVs in 2010:

• LED
o LE 8900 (April 2010): 42”, 47” and 55”
o LE 7900 (April 2010): 32”, 37”, 42”, 47” and 55”
o LE 5900 (April 2010): 32”, 37”, 42”, 47” and 55”
• LCD
o LD 790 (April 2010): 32”, 37” and 42”
o LD 690 (April 2010): 32”, 37” and 42”
• Plasma
o PK 590 (April 2010):50” and 60”
o PK 790 (April 2010): 50” and 60”
o PK 950 (April 2010): 50” and 60”

3D TV

One of the biggest trends in TV in the coming years is certainly set to be 3D and LG is making its first 3D TV (LD360) available to consumers in April 2010. This 47 inch LCD TV gives viewers a more dramatic, immersive experience and will change the way families enjoy the home entertainment experience. The LD360 will be compatible with Sky 3D TV Services which means that when Sky’s new 3D channel launches in 2010, families will be able to watch movies, entertainment and sport with the exciting extra dimension.

The LD 360 will incorporate “passive” 3D technology which means the technology is built into the TV so that expensive; technology rich 3D glasses are not required. Consumers only need simple, affordable 3D glasses to enjoy their favourite 3D movies, programming and video games on the LD360.

3D TV will be available on the LD360 from April 2010 with a 47” screen.

Broadband TV

LG is passionate about the exciting future of internet through home TVs and, therefore, has ensured that over 50% of 2010 TV line up will be broadband ready and able to connect to the home’s internet service. With this technology, people can connect their TV and home modem - either wired (Ethernet cable) or wireless with a USB Dongle - and access YouTube and Skype directly through their TV in a way that is easy and instant. Just another way LG is making Life Good by revolutionising how people view and use their TV!

LG has included Skype within its broadband TV service as a direct result of customer feedback. Now Skype’s 5m users will be able talk to their friends and family across the world through their TV for free. It’s just like accessing apps on a mobile…but on a big screen!

www.lge.com