torpainter
06-19-2011, 10:57 AM
Marc Saltzman
One of the most exciting technology trends is the fusion between your television and the Internet.
Most new HDTVs today allow you to access online content from the comfort of your favourite couch, be it social networking sites (like Facebook or Twitter), video streaming services (such as YouTube or Netflix) or on-demand news, weather, sports scores, stock quotes and other personalized information.
But what if you're perfectly happy with your existing television?
You can always pick up an Internet-connected box that gives you all the same functionality – and there's no shortage of options out there. There's Apple TV which we've looked at, Boxxee Box, Roku and new Blu-ray players with built-in access to Internet content. Or you can always connect your computer to the TV via a VGA or HDMI cable, but that's not the most graceful solution.
For $149.99, you can pick up the LG Smart TV Upgrader (model # ST600). You might be able to find it for as low as $129.99 here. Measuring 11cm by 11cm, this small black box connects to your HDTV (or audio-video receiver) via HDMI cable - and it also joins your wireless network if you don't want to plug an Ethernet cable in.
On one hand, it's similar to Apple TV as you can watch Netflix and YouTube videos and stream music, but LG's solution doesn't offer the ability to digitally rent movies or access your iTunes account, as Apple TV does. But on the flipside, it has other advantages. It offers different apps, like Google Picasa (for viewing photos), MLB.TV (if you have an account to the baseball service) and a full web browser in which to surf the web with your feet up on the coffee table. That said, the wireless remote isn't as conducive for surfing as a wireless keyboard, but this unit does support a USB keyboard or mouse, if you like.
You can also multitask with a picture-in-picture option, therefore search the Internet while watching TV at the same time.
Unlike Apple TV, this product also features DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) support, therefore it can wirelessly communicate with other DLNA devices in the home. This includes a handful of smartphones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Therefore, if you shot a video on your smartphone of the kids playing at the beach, when you get home, you'll be able to beam the video from your phone to the Smart TV Upgrader to enjoy it all on the big screen without wires.
You can also download an app to your smartphone that allows you to control your Smart TV Upgrader directly from your Android device or iPhone.
Speaking of apps, LG says the Smart TV Upgrader will have many more apps roll-out next month, including support for social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, interactive games (Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles, for instance), and more streaming audio/video services.
On the video front, this product supports up to 1080p resolution and works with a number of file formats: MPEG2, MPEG4, DivX, DivXHD, MKV, TS TP, M4V, WMV, and more. For audio, it can play Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, MP3, WMA and AAC (no FLAC files, though).
Hey, I don't think conventional satellite and cable TV service is going anywhere soon, but this marriage between your television and the Internet gives you more options, control and interactivity.
After all, you've got this 50-odd inch television on your wall, so why not use it as a giant window to the Internet and online services, too?
One of the most exciting technology trends is the fusion between your television and the Internet.
Most new HDTVs today allow you to access online content from the comfort of your favourite couch, be it social networking sites (like Facebook or Twitter), video streaming services (such as YouTube or Netflix) or on-demand news, weather, sports scores, stock quotes and other personalized information.
But what if you're perfectly happy with your existing television?
You can always pick up an Internet-connected box that gives you all the same functionality – and there's no shortage of options out there. There's Apple TV which we've looked at, Boxxee Box, Roku and new Blu-ray players with built-in access to Internet content. Or you can always connect your computer to the TV via a VGA or HDMI cable, but that's not the most graceful solution.
For $149.99, you can pick up the LG Smart TV Upgrader (model # ST600). You might be able to find it for as low as $129.99 here. Measuring 11cm by 11cm, this small black box connects to your HDTV (or audio-video receiver) via HDMI cable - and it also joins your wireless network if you don't want to plug an Ethernet cable in.
On one hand, it's similar to Apple TV as you can watch Netflix and YouTube videos and stream music, but LG's solution doesn't offer the ability to digitally rent movies or access your iTunes account, as Apple TV does. But on the flipside, it has other advantages. It offers different apps, like Google Picasa (for viewing photos), MLB.TV (if you have an account to the baseball service) and a full web browser in which to surf the web with your feet up on the coffee table. That said, the wireless remote isn't as conducive for surfing as a wireless keyboard, but this unit does support a USB keyboard or mouse, if you like.
You can also multitask with a picture-in-picture option, therefore search the Internet while watching TV at the same time.
Unlike Apple TV, this product also features DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) support, therefore it can wirelessly communicate with other DLNA devices in the home. This includes a handful of smartphones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Therefore, if you shot a video on your smartphone of the kids playing at the beach, when you get home, you'll be able to beam the video from your phone to the Smart TV Upgrader to enjoy it all on the big screen without wires.
You can also download an app to your smartphone that allows you to control your Smart TV Upgrader directly from your Android device or iPhone.
Speaking of apps, LG says the Smart TV Upgrader will have many more apps roll-out next month, including support for social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, interactive games (Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles, for instance), and more streaming audio/video services.
On the video front, this product supports up to 1080p resolution and works with a number of file formats: MPEG2, MPEG4, DivX, DivXHD, MKV, TS TP, M4V, WMV, and more. For audio, it can play Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, MP3, WMA and AAC (no FLAC files, though).
Hey, I don't think conventional satellite and cable TV service is going anywhere soon, but this marriage between your television and the Internet gives you more options, control and interactivity.
After all, you've got this 50-odd inch television on your wall, so why not use it as a giant window to the Internet and online services, too?