LG Readies 52-Inch, Wi-Fi HDTV Flat ScreenLG Readies 52-Inch, Wi-Fi HDTV Flat Screen

LG Electronics plans to offer next year a 52-inch high-definition TV with a built-in Wi-Fi system that makes it possible to stream video or other content from a home computer.

LG plans to showcase the 52LG71, which has a 1080-pixel LCD screen, at the Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nev., a spokeswoman said Wednesday. The new TV was among three LG sets to receive innovation awards from show organizers.

While declining to provide a full-list of the details, the LG spokeswoman said the 52LG71 would support the Wi-Fi spec 802.11n, which is capable of streaming content fast enough, so video can be displayed without interruptions, such as a temporary frozen screen or jerky movements.

While very few televisions today support Wi-Fi, the technology is expected to be integrated in a growing number of sets. "Integrating a wireless solution into a television actually makes sense," Samir Bhavnani, analyst for The NPD Group, told information. "In most homes, the computer is in a different room than the TV, so this does make it easier to move content."

For LG, it's important to be out front with technology, in order to draw some attention from the bigger brand names, such as Sony and Samsung. "Being in the forefront with this technology shows LG as being a technology leader," Bhavnani said.

Also receiving CES awards for innovation was a 47-inch slim-design set called the 47LG75. The LCD set uses an LED, or light-emitting diode, back light that provides a high contrast ratio and improved brightness and color. LG also was recognized for its 32-inch LCD HDTV, called the 32LG40, which includes an integrated DVD player, hidden speakers, and high-glossy black finish.

An increasing number of households are upgrading to HDTV sets. Nearly 40% of all pay-TV households surveyed have either local or cable high-definition channels included in their monthly pay-TV service, according to Gartner.