LG Electronics will show at next week’s International Consumer Electronics Show a set-top box that delivers Internet content and applications found on LG Smart TVs to televisions without those features.
The ST600 “Smart TV Upgrader” is an 11-centimeter-square box that connects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to a broadband Internet connection.
Through it, viewers can access sites such as YouTube, Netflix, Pandora Internet radio, Cinema Now, and Vudu, and run Yahoo TV widgets. The service, called Smart TV, was previously branded LG NetCast and loaded on some LG TVs, Blu-ray Disc systems and home-theater products.
The device is compatible with the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) standard and can connect and stream content from other DLNA-compatible products such as home servers and computers.
LG is targeting the device at what it says is a “significant audience” of people who want Internet functions on their televisions but don’t want to buy a new TV.
Pricing for the ST600 was not disclosed. LG said it will be available in the second quarter of 2011.
Martyn Williams covers Japan and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Martyn on Twitter at @martyn_williams. Martyn’s e-mail address is martyn_williams@idg.com