LG paves the way for next-generation Digital TV

LG's HD-DVR has won the CES Innovation Awards for 2005 and 2006, and the iF Design and Red dot Design Awards for 2005.

The next-generation TV has double the storage capacity of earlier models, and many more added features. The DVR can store up to 21 hours of digital high-definition programming, and up to 92 hours of digital standard-definition programming.

The LG HD-DVR boasts continuous automatic recording in 2-hour intervals, where earlier models could record for 13 hours in 1-hour intervals. Users can store digital photos and music from their digital camera or MP3 player onto the hard drive, thanks to a 9-in-2 multi-memory card reader.

"Today's viewers have considerable choice in high-resolution widescreen televisions, but the LG HD-DVR delivers a superior viewing experience," said K.W Kim, President, LG Electronics, Middle East and Africa Operations.

"The new flat panel television embodies LG's lifestyle and consumer focus in digital display product design. LG redefined the TV viewing experience when it launched the world's first plasma TV equipped with a built-in DVR. Today, plasma DVR televisions account for half of LG's annual plasma TV sales."

The futuristic TV can also block out commercials with a special 'Ad-skipping' feature. A 14-bit colour processor produces 4.4 trillion colours and more than 16,000 different hues. LG's exclusive XD™ Engine improves brightness and contrast, and enhances colour as well as reduces signal noise, resulting in cinema-like high resolution images.

A film-type 'clear filter' provides protective measures to minimize dullness and makes the unit 4.5 kgs lighter and 9mm slimmer in a 42-inch model. The digital flat panel TV is available in 37-inch, 42-inch and 47-inch LCD models, and 42-inch and 50-inch PDP versions.

LG's latest marketing campaign for its next-generation flat panel products will focus on the 2006 World Cup in June this year. The World Cup 2006 will break records for worldwide television audiences, and LG expects increasing demand for TV products with built-in DVR as the tournaments gets nearer.

Kim added:

"LG aims to become the number one player in the global display market by 2010 with global sales of US$10 billion. To achieve this, LG will secure the largest production capability in plasma panels from its four major plants in Mexico, Poland, China and Korea. LG will also build on its region-specific R&D efforts and localised marketing."