LG makes all TVs internet-connected with Smart TV Upgrader

LG kicked off its CES 2011 press conference with a new device that turns any TV with an HDMI input into an internet connected set.

The Smart TV Upgrader is a small box that connects to an existing TV via HDMI and also to your home network. It runs the updated LG internet portal software that will be implemented on all of LG’s new televisions, providing access to online content. It looks, on the face of it, a cheap way to add more features without having to buy a completely new TV.

LG has radically revamped its online interface, to make the portal easier to use. A bar runs across the bottom of the screen with shortcuts to favourite content. The other information is presented in Panels; a Live panel shows you the current TV feed; the Premium Panel gives you access to online services such as Netflix and Hulu (UK services have not been announced); and the Apps Panel giving you access to new applications that can be downloaded and installed.

LG has promised that it has developers working all over the world creating new Apps, although only time will show the quality and quantity of them.

Control of the box should be simple using LG’s Magic Motion Remote. This wand-like remote uses Wii-like technology, with motion moving the on-screen cursor. This remote has just six buttons on the front of it, with everything else controlled using on-screen icons. We should be getting a hands-on with this system later in the week.

Smart TV will be a part of the majority of LG’s new TV line-up, which will consist of 31 new LCD models and 12 new Plasma models. LG also unveiled its Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) LCD TV, which it claims will deliver 3D without the flicker – read our hands on now to see what we thought of it.