LG SmartTV Upgrader ST600 Detailed: Hulu Plus, Netflix, Apps & More

LG already told us about the LG SmartTV Upgrader last week, which took some of the surprise out of the media streaming STB, but we've a few more details now that the company's CES 2011 keynote is underway. The ST600 will turn any TV – including non-LG sets – into a smart TV, with Netflix, VUDU and CinemaNow access, along with a browser and LG TV Apps.

There's also Hulu Plus, Amazon Video on Demand and various live sports streams with LG's partner content providers. LG Apps, meanwhile, offers games, news, music info and more, and can be navigated either via LG's Magic Remote – which has a touchpad – or via an iPhone or Android smartphone and LG's QWERTY remote control app.

Wireless streaming – over WiFi b/g/n – from a networked PC round out the key specs, and there's Media Link for pulling down cover art and other information about the content you're playing. The ST600 box itself has HDMI, optical audio and USB connections, the latter used for hooking up an external drive. No word on pricing, but it's expected to arrive in Q2 2011.

Press Release:

NEW LG SmartTV Upgrader makes every TV a Smart TV

Combines Web Browser, Premium Content and LG Apps

With a User-Friendly Interface

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 – LG Electronics introduced its new LG SmartTV Upgrader (ST600), an easy solution for transforming any TV into a Smart TV, today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8205). The Upgrader gives any television with an HDMI input the ability to access endless amounts of content including movies, sports, television programming, music and premium applications, all through an easy to navigate user interface*.

The LG SmartTV Upgrader also offers a Web browser so viewers no longer need to turn on their laptop to access the Internet. With this feature, news, reviews and a host of other content can be viewed on the television screen.

"LG Smart TV is an exciting innovation and our LG SmartTV Upgrader provides an affordable option for consumers to adopt this new technology," said Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, LG Electronics USA. "Now any TV can be 'Something Better' with virtually unlimited content options."

Building upon the pioneering NetCast Entertainment Access offering, the LG SmartTV platform provides access to endless entertainment options from providers including*:

• VUDU– Allows consumers to buy or rent from an extensive catalog of more than 2,000 high-definition movies and TV titles without monthly fees or additional hardware. It also is the only online service to offer movies in 1080p.

• Netflix – Updated with Netflix 2.0, consumers can now stream thousands of movies without a PC.

• YouTube – Instantly streams millions of Web videos directly from the Internet.

• CinemaNow – Allows consumers to browse from the CinemaNow premium content catalog and instantly stream purchased or rented movies and popular TV shows.

• Hulu Plus – Subscribers have access to back seasons or full runs of some of TV's greatest shows.

• Amazon Video on Demand – Allows consumers to view more than 75,000 hit movies and television shows instantly.

• Live Streaming Sports (multiple partners) – Pro sports fans can follow their favorite teams, stay up to date with player profiles, and stream games in HD quality.

The LG App Store is also populated with hundreds of applications for download. The user-friendly interface can be easily navigated by a remote control with finger touch pad or smart phone with an Android or iPhone QWERTY keyboard application.

LG's Smart Share function allows users to wirelessly stream content from their PCs and other compatible devices for viewing on their television screen. Smart Share also includes Media Link, which provides additional information, such as cover art or liner notes, for content being streamed. The Upgrader includes built-in WiFi and uses an HDMI connection.

Specifications

 WiFi 802.11 BGN

 Connections

- HDMI

- Optical

- USB

 A/C Power