Press release
--Broadcom's Advanced DTV Technology Features Home Network Connectivity, Access to Netflix Library of Movies and TV Episodes and Yahoo! Widgets
IRVINE, Calif., June 15, 2009 -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that its integrated BCM3549 digital TV (DTV) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution has been selected by LG Electronics for its new 'Broadband HDTVs.'
The two new series of HDTVs with the LG's "Netcast Entertainment Access" feature enable viewers to access online content and services and are the first high definition televisions in the world to feature Netflix® instant streaming and Yahoo!® Widgets. Powered by the Broadcom® BCM3549 video decoder SoC embedded directly in the TV, the LG broadband HDTV line allows Netflix subscribers to instantly stream and watch movies or TV episodes from its library directly on the TV, without external devices. Users can also use the Yahoo! Widget system as a convenient way to access a vast selection of content including weather, finance, news and other useful information. This innovative new line of plasma and LCD broadband HDTVs is now available at Best Buy and other U.S. retailers.
"In another industry first for LG, our new Broadband HDTV line provides consumers the ability to access Netflix instant streaming and Yahoo! Widgets directly through their HDTV enabling a whole new entertainment experience in the home," said Tim Alessi, Director, New Product Development, LG Electronics USA, Inc. "Broadcom's advanced digital TV technology features the latest in connectivity and continues to push the envelope in TV picture quality, performance and features. We are pleased to continue our multi-year partnership with Broadcom."
The Broadcom BCM3549 SoC solution offers new options for accessing video content on a TV through the Internet or a consumer's own in-home network. Broadcom's solution includes advanced multi-format decoding and home network connectivity via an integrated Ethernet media access controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) capabilities that enable users to connect with multiple home network devices such as media servers, PCs, MP3 devices and portable media players (PMPs), and allows access to a multitude of Internet-based multimedia content. With this technology, users can share and stream digital music, photos, movies and Internet-based media content to and from connected devices.
"LG's latest Broadband HDTV design illustrates our combined commitment to develop and deliver innovative TV solutions that offer new options for accessing online video content on a TV," said Dan Marotta, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group. "This is our third generation product powering LG televisions and together we are revolutionizing the home consumer entertainment experience."
The new LCD and plasma 'Broadband HDTVs' from LG are the first to allow Netflix members to instantly stream and watch movies directly on the TV, at the click of a button on the remote control. With advanced multi-format decoding and Ethernet connectivity included, the new LG HDTVs offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy the growing library of over 12,000 high definition movies and TV episodes instantly from Netflix. LG's Broadband HDTVs employ the Yahoo! Widget system to access an extensive selection of content including weather, finance, news and other information in addition to linking with content of other file storing equipment like a PC or USB memory stick.
"Consumers want a seamless online video viewing experience on their HDTVs, and we predict the number of U.S. broadband households viewing web-to-TV content will triple, growing from 8 million to 24 million within 5 years," said Keith Nissen, Principal Analyst at In-Stat. "Additionally, we anticipate that revenue generated from web-to-TV streaming services will grow to $2.9 billion in 2013."
