The ultimate internet toy is here :)
This Summer, Sylvania Computer Products will introduce a new 27-inch digital TV that combines the functions of a TV with those of an Internet appliance. The device, which owes its internal intelligence to a single-chip PC (a National Semiconductor Geode) running an embedded Linux operating system, marks a key milestone in the television industry by being one of the first consumer TVs to include a built-in Internet appliance. Call it the dawn of the Internet/TV :D
The new Sylvania Model SPC2700iHD Internet/TV is the product of a collaboration with Ch.1 Inc., a company which has developed an embeddable Internet appliance subsystem for next generation digital TVs. Ch.1 plans to license this technology, known as the "Ch.1 Platform," to as many TV manufacturers as possible. Similar products are expected to be introduced, also in the Summer 2001 timeframe, by both Panasonic and Zenith.
Basically, the Ch.1 Platform consists of . . .
- A high resolution HDTV-ready monitor with a built-in conventional TV tuner
- An embedded Internet appliance computer that supports both dialup (56K) and broadband (Ethernet) Internet access
- Sophisticated Linux-based operating system and user interface software, with an easy-to-use graphical interface that unifies TV watching and Internet viewing
- A combination remote/keyboard/mouse to simplify system operation
- Internet-based control and database services (the "Ch.1 network")
What does it do?
The new Sylvania Internet/TV receives standard broadcast or cable TV signals via a built-in TV tuner and is usable as a high resolution display for external video sources including VCRs, DVD players, DSS, cable boxes, and computers (up to 800 x 600 SVGA resolution). The system is also "HDTV-ready," which means it will be able to display the high bandwidth video signals produced by an external HDTV receiver. In the mean time, a unique "line-doubler" technology provides higher-than-normal resolution display from standard TV signal sources on the set's high quality monitor, by displaying all horizontal scan lines simultaneously instead of in the interlaced manner of ordinary TVs.
Using the Internet/TV's Ch.1-enabled functions, you can watch TV, browse the Internet, create web and TV "favorites," view a customized programming guide, access preprogrammed category portals, send email, chat, shop, surf to FlashKit, and listen to MP3s. You can also watch a TV program while simultaneously interacting with its associated website using the set's "Picture-in-Portal" technology, or direct your VCR (or HDR) when and what to record through Ch.1's web-based control screen. Onscreen buttons give you easy access to the Internet/TV's user manual, product or accessory upgrades, customer service, and even technical support.
Can't wait to play with it ;)
