LG SELECTS BROADCOM FOR LCD/PLASMA "BROADBAND HD/TV".(Company overview)

Broadcom, Irvine, Calif., a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, has 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(R) instant streaming and Yahoo!(R) Widgets. Powered by the Broadcom(R) 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 ...