Internet TVs coming to a lounge room near you…

Samsung have announced plans to launch a series of new TV sets that are capable of accessing the internet for on demand video, news, weather and stock results.

Samsung have announced plans to launch a series of new TV sets that are capable of accessing the internet for on demand video, news, weather and stock results. The sets could be available for sale as early as year’s end.

The internet content will run as “widgets” alongside regular TV shows. Currently the internet can only be accessed via external devices such as games consoles, HTPCs or Apple TV.

Speaking with the Sydney Morning Herald, Evan Manolis, Australian Senior Product Manager at Samsung said: “Your TV is becoming a computer entertainment hub – so it’s not just for TV viewing. You’ll be able to have stock, news, sports and weather information streamed on your LCD or plasma.”

Manolis predicted the concept would evolve over the next six months to allow viewers to surf the web and download content.

Users will be able to switch the ‘widgets’ on or off and move them around the screen.

Most other big TV manufacturers including Sony, Philips, Panasonic and LG are expected to release similar models in the next twelve months.

Next year, Sony will release the PlayTV PS3 add-on in Australia, which allows people to watch and record TV shows through the console. Paul Colley, Sony Australia’s technology communications manager,said: “The TV will continue to become the hub of our digital entertainment experience.”

“We will see our habits transition from watching internet entertainment on the PC to watching it on the TV. This will create a more intense experience for the consumer given that the TV is generally at the centre of our entertainment environment.”

Source: SMH