LG has announced the worldwide launch of its Freeview series of flat-screen TVs with upgraded built-in digital video recorders at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin two days ago. The LT75 (LCD), available in 32, 37, and 42 in. models, and PT85 (plasma), available in 42 and 50 in. models, playback TVs include 160GB of storage, and dual tuners which allow viewers to watch one programme while recording another. "At LG we strive to develop new technologies that make TVs sleeker and smarter," said James Atkins, marketing manager for LG brown goods. "Our Freeview playback TVs have made it far easier to use DVRs by eliminating the need to connect yet another external box to the TV and learn to use it."
The televisions can also record from most cable and satellite set-top boxes and include HDMI, composite, S-video and Scart inputs. An LG spokesman told vnunet.com that the LT75 series in particular is "aimed primarily at the family market, for instance allowing children to watch their favourite shows in the evening while allowing the parents to record their programmes to watch later on." All the models also include LG"s Intelligent Eye feature, which constantly monitors the ambient lighting in the room and automatically adjusts the contrast, colour and brightness.