Philips launches Internet-connected HDTVs
updated 04:00 pm EST, Fri February 20, 2009
Philips intros Net TV
Philips has recently announced its 8000-, and 9000-series HDTVs, along with the Cinema 21:9 set announced last month, will have built-in access to the Internet. The service will be called Net TV and will allow users to browse the Internet using their remote control. Philips has partnered up with numerous websites to offer services custom-tailored to be viewable through the TVs.
Websites including YouTube, TomTom, eBay, MeteoGroup, Funspot, MyAlbum and Netlog have simplified their interface for TV viewing, including with larger text. Viewing content on other websites is possible as well, though some websites may be formatted for viewing on a computer display, with text that may be too small for viewing on a TV. Philips plans on eventually adding more compatible websites, including in non-English speaking countries such as France, Germany and the Netherlands.
To connect to Net TV via the 8000-series sets, users will need a wired Internet connection, while the 9000-series and Cinema 21:9 sets have an integrated Wi-Fi module for connecting to home networks. Net TV is expected to become available in April, though none of the European sets are likely to come to North America. [via Pocket-lint]
