“Despite the recession we will not reduce market spend or R&D investment,” asserted Michael Ahn, president and CEO of LG North America, at CES’ first press conference.
The company outlined strategies and developments, including: Network Blu-ray players and home theater systems; lower energy consumption; network connectivity in plasma and LCD TVs; and partnerships with Yahoo!, CinemaNow, YouTube and Netflix.
Among the announcements:
- 3-D chip set: LG aims to include in displays to support 3-D formats.
- Touch Watch Phone (LG-GD910) with 3G service and GSM capabilities: This wristwatch/phone includes a touchscreen, Flash interface, MP3 player and a built-in camera. Scheduled to go on sale later this year.
LG exec at press conference showing off his Touch Watch Phone
- Noise cancellation technology that the company plans to add to many of its mobile phones during the second half of the year.
- Green initiatives, and CES attendees can get their cell phones charged with the LG Skycharger in the Central Hall. The mobile phone charging station runs on wind and solar power.
As previewed yesterday at CES Unveiled:
- LG BD 370: Blu-ray player and Netflix streamer capable of displaying HD content to connected TV. Will also stream YouTube and CinemaNow. Available in Spring 2009 for $299.
- LG Slim Wireless LED Backlit 55″ TV: Connects wirelessly to interface box to display HD.
In all, LG presented 12 HD TV product lines – nine series of LCD models and three plasma – with screens ranging from 19- to 60-inches. Select sets will include LED backlighting, TruMotion 240Hz, wireless capabilities–and LG’s “NetCast Entertainment Access” for streaming movies, TV shows and video (includes new alliances with Yahoo!, Netflix and YouTube).
Ahn reported that LG had sales of over $13 billion in 2008, a 16% increase from the prior year.
Where to see it:
- Central 8214