LG, Samsung, Sony to make idiot box Net savvy

KOLKATA: The idiot box is getting smart. Television makers such as LG, Samsung and Sony are launching internet-capable models that will offer video on demand, access to websites such as YouTube and podcasts in tieup with websites and local content providers.

Within days after rolling out 3D TVs, top television makers are looking to use Web add-ons to differentiate their top-end hi-definition models from droves of flat-panel sets flooding the market.

“We have to cater to local taste to ensure wider acceptance,” said Rohit Pandit, home entertainment head at LG Electronics India, adding that the company is looking at providing localised content on sports and Bollywood.
Market leader LG plans to debut its Net TV range next month with about 14 models, while Sony has already rolled out TVs with internet content in India.

Samsung India will give internet capability across its LCD, LED and 3D TV platforms, its deputy MD Ravinder Zutshi said.

Videocon, which recently signed a deal to make and sell Philips TVs in India, is also evaluating plans to roll out localised Net TV in the Indian market, a senior industry official said requesting anonymity.

The industry feels the potential is huge for Net TV due to rising broadband penetration and the craze for infotainment in the country. Another positive is the growing popularity of websites such as YouTube, Picasa and AccuWeather. So, everybody is searching for content.

“There is a shift in lifestyle of Indian consumers and they want to watch content on demand. This being an occupying feature for Net TV, it will lead to its success in the Indian market,” said Nataraj Kumar, leader for consumer lifestyle at Philips Innovation Campus in Bangalore, which developed the Dutch firm’s Net TV portfolio that debuted in Europe recently.

He declined to confirm whether Philips has customised Net TV for the Indian market.

LG has initiated talks with local internet content providers to customise its range in the Indian market.

Rival Samsung has just floated an application store for Net TV in India, which has more than 60 sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Skype and History channel. The global electronics champion is also working on a strategy to work with Indian service providers for more localised content.

“The Net TV market is in its early stages in India. As consumers become more comfortable with convergence and sharing of content between different devices, the market will grow,” said Mr Zutshi.

Sony India head (sales) Sunil Nayyar said the company has plans to offer localised content for Net TV, but refused to share more details.

The Japanese major is betting on Net TV, along with 3D TV and LED, to achieve market leadership in the flat panel display segment by this fiscal.