A bitter fight over who will dominate the TV market in Australia in 2012 is set to break out with LG claiming at CES today that they have both the product and new TV technology to “give Samsung a run for their money” in the Smart TV market.Rolling out a new range of TVs, including a 55″ OLED model and a new Google TV, LG executives said that both TVs will be available in Australia in 2012. The company has also announced a new glasses free monitor and notebook; however, it is not known if the notebook will be launched in Australia.
A LG executive told a packed CES audience that more consumers than ever before are choosing LG’s passive 3D technology over active shutter.
The new LG smart TVs which are 1mm thick range in size from 55-inch, up to 84-inch diagonal and include several TVs running NetCast, LG’s proprietary Smart TV platform. This will give consumers access to 1,200 apps using a new LG remote control that allows users to point, wheel, gesture, or speak to access content.
The new remote contains a microphone that users can speak into to enter text on the TV for Twitter updates and Web searches. You won’t be able to change the channel or control the volume by yelling at the TV.
The new Google TV comes with 3D technology, so any 2D TV program or movie can be viewed in 3D via the built-in 2D to 3D conversion engine.
Pricing and availability for Australia are yet unannounced.
CNet said after seeing the new LG Google TV at CES Google’s Android operating system is “best known for powering some of the most advanced mobile phones on the planet, and it’s adept and handling apps and web browsing. Loads of TVs already offer on-demand video and the ability to download and install apps, but to date the interface of these systems has been clunky, slow and generally about as pleasant as pulling bubble gum out your hair.”
LG also announced a new 4G smartphone that doubles as a VOIP phone using VM Ware technology.
The new 3D OLED TVs from LG won’t need expensive 3D glasses though. LG’s 3D OLED TV is equipped with the Film Patterned Retarder technology, which permits use of any FPR-type 3D glasses that are less expensive and lighter than active shutter 3D glasses.
LG has also announced their own dual core TV processor which the Korean Company claims will dramatically improve speeds inside the TV.
More to follow.
