Toshiba and Netgem connect TV experience
informitv’s William Cooper comments on the new Toshiba and Netgem ‘multifunction adapter’ (set-top box) – the latest development in the exciting world of internet-enabled television…
Toshiba and Netgem have announced a “multifunction adapter” – otherwise known as a set-top box – to allow users to connect their televisions to online services, including video-on-demand, and share their own media with friends and relatives.
The first deployment of Toshiba Places will be in France (priced at €99), with other European countries to follow in 2011. Meanwhile, Toshiba is also backing Yahoo! Connected TV in its latest televisions.
Toshiba Places promises to provide access from any screen, including televisions, personal computers and tablet devices.
The Toshiba Multifunction Adapter developed with Netgem is a customised version of the new Netgem N5000 platform. It offers simple, visually rich and intuitive navigation combining broadcast channels with the added value services available through the Toshiba Places online portal.
The adapter includes a high-definition digital terrestrial television tuner, allowing navigation between television and interactive services through a single remote control. It has wired and wireless network connections (and 4 gigabytes of flash memory).
“Toshiba is dedicated to developing a brand of televisions that truly enrich the viewing experience,” said Ron Smith, responsible for marketing Toshiba digital products in America. “By partnering with Yahoo!, the proven leader in delivering compelling internet content directly to TV screens, we are able to provide consumers with features that enable them to enjoy a variety of entertainment content directly from their remote.”
Meanwhile, Ron Jacoby, vice president for Connected TV at Yahoo! cited iSuppli forecasts that worldwide sales of all internet-enabled TVs are expected to exceed 87 million units by 2013.
Yahoo! Connected TV now has partnerships with Samsung, LG, Sony and Toshiba, among other manufacturers, many of which are also developing their own connected television solutions, while Sony is also a partner with Google TV.
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