Chumby rolls out NeTV to add web, apps to plain TVs
updated 10:55 am EDT, Thu September 8, 2011
Appliance adds smart content to TV viewing
Chumby has announced the NeTV, an appliance that turns a conventional TV into a "smart" TV. The device, placed between the TV and any video source, inserts additional content. Using it, a viewer can browse the web, view photos sent from an Android-based smartphone, or access over 1,500 apps including a personalized internet news crawler, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, or Flickr.
The NeTV supports TV resolutions of 480p, 720p, and 1080p, including 24FPS content. It's driven by an 800MHz Marvell chip that keeps costs light. Internet connectivity is through 802.11g Wi-Fi. The NeTV can be controlled using a seven-button IR remote or with an Android phone and has a micro USB connection.
The NeTV with Android support will be available later this month. Chumby is also promising iOS support in the near future. Pricing for the device hasn't been given out.
