LG Smart TV Upgrader Adds Apps, Streaming To Older HDTVs

If there's one category in consumer electronics that has taken off like a rocket in 2010, it's tablets. But if you're looking for something to come in a close second, it's probably streaming set-top boxes. Media streamers have become a huge hit in 2012, even prompting Apple to release a revised version to compete with the Boxee Box and Roku's line of boxes. LG has entered the market in a way by embedding a "Smart TV" platform into their newest televisions, but those sets that were made just a few years ago do not have that functionality built-in.


But now, there's an LG-branded solution. Rather than grabbing an Apple TV or Roku, LG would rather you choose their own set-top. The new ST600 Smart TV Upgrader basically adds Smart TV functions to LG HDTVs that were produced before Smart TV functions were being embedded into sets. This puck is much smaller than most STBs, and it adds DLNA streaming support, and by connecting the ST600 to a regular TV set, users can access a vast range of premium content from global providers, as well as the best locally sourced shows and movies to cater to different tastes around the world. The ST600 also connects users to the growing range of LG Apps, which are custom designed for use on TVs and offer everything from language classes to games.

Inside the box resides a BCM7615 CPU, 384MB of RAM, 1GB of Flash, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, one USB port (for external storage or a mouse) and even a bundled remote. LG isn't talking pricing just yet, but this should be ready to go soon.

LG Smart TV Upgrader Makes Every TV Smarter

- ST600 Smart TV Upgrader Lets Users Enjoy Web Browser and Premium Content on Their Regular TV Sets

(SEOUL=Korea Newswire) December 30, 2010 -- At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, LG Electronics (LG) will be unveiling the Smart TV Upgrader (ST600) that makes it easy for viewers to transform their regular TVs into Smart TVs at an affordable price. Embracing all the benefits of internet connectivity, the Upgrader gives regular TV owners access to all of LG's Smart TV functions including premium online content, Smart Share and the full range of LG Apps.

"The market for Smart TVs is set to take off this year, and the ST600 offers a perfect entry point," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Home Entertainment Company. "With the LG Smart TV Upgrader, we're taking the excitement and convenience of Smart TV and adding in LG's trademark ease-of-use because we see a significant audience who are interested but not interested enough to buy a whole new TV."

By connecting the ST600 to a regular TV set, users can access a vast range of premium content from global providers, as well as the best locally sourced shows and movies to cater to different tastes around the world. The ST600 also connects users to the growing range of LG Apps, which are custom designed for use on TVs and offer everything from language classes to games.

LG makes the viewing experience more compelling still with its superb compatibility, which lets users simply and wirelessly transfer content from their Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA)-compatible PCs and other compatible devices for viewing on the big screen.

LG's Smart TV Upgrader will be unveiled at CES 2011 in Las Vegas and rolled-out to TV owners in the second quarter of 2011.

Specifications:

- Main CPU: BCM7615
- DDR 384MB, 1GB Flash
- LG Add-on Architecture + Web Browser
- AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DLNA (DMP)
- USB: 1EA (USB mouse, external storage)
- Input Devices: Finger Touch RCU
- Premium Content
- LG Apps
- Size: 11cm x 11cm