Those of you who followed our CES coverage this year are probably aware of the fact that pretty much every major HDTV manufacturer out there has come up with its own version of a networked HDTV, including here Korean company LG. And as things usually go in these cases, now, six months later, LG finally decided to push some of these new models into stores, with a few more to follow over the course of summer.

According to the company's statement, for the time being, a 47-inch class LCD HDTV (model 47LH50) and a 50-inch class plasma HDTV (model 50PS80) with NetCast Entertainment Access will be readily available in stores. However, a 42-inch class LCD (model 42LH50) and 60-inch class plasma (model 60PS80) are scheduled to arrive a bit later.

One of the main selling points LG's LH50 and PS80 series have to offer is the fact that they provide access to the Netflix library of more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes available to watch instantly, with hundreds available in HD. Without the need for an external device, the LH50 and PS80 provide consumers access to more content and video on their big screen.

Streaming content from Netflix to the LG HDTVs requires a broadband connection and relies on a Queue-based user interface, Netflix members being able to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues, via the Netflix Web site. Those choices will then automatically be displayed on the TV screen and can be viewed instantly through the HDTV. Once selected, titles begin playing in as little as 30 seconds.

"With 2.5 million North American households looking to purchase a networked TV, incorporating broadband connectivity into our new HDTVs became a natural progression of our partnership with Netflix," said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing and strategy, LG Electronics USA, Inc. "Both LG and Netflix are committed to offering consumers easy access to entertainment on demand and LG's newest HDTVs make it easier than ever to access thousands of movies and TV shows instantly."

Unfortunately, despite getting official with its new Internet-connected HDTVs, LG has not provided any pricing details regarding these new HDTVs, which means that you'll probably have to visit your local retailer to find out more on this subject.


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