LG Electronics has launched LG PenTouch TV that lets viewers use a special touch-sensitive stylus pen to interact with the Internet and to create, modify and control a variety of content directly on the screen. However, a separate Windows PC (not included) is required to enable the interaction.
“Touch displays have become the norm in mobile phones and tablets, but remain almost unheard of in TVs,” said Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, home entertainment, LG Electronics USA. “The PenTouch TV brings all the excitement of touch displays, computers and the Internet to the world of television, with functions and programs that are great fun and really educational. Families, in particular, will have more than ever to enjoy on LG PenTouch TV plasma screens.”
Users can activate the PenTouch mode with a single click on the remote control. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. In PenTouch mode, users can access files created on their PCs, and work on them, edit them or move them around the screen using the stylus. The TV supports simultaneous two-pen use, and pen batteries can be recharged through USB ports on the TV or PC.
Using PenTouch software, which is provided with the TV, budding artists can draw pictures directly onto the screen and then save the files for further editing or effects manipulation. If the PC is connected to a printer, users can print their PenTouch creations, too. More complex software features include Gallery, which comes with a built-in slide show feature; Digital Photo Frame, which lets users embellish their work with the frame of their choice; and even a Family Calendar, where you can leave notes and to-do lists for your family members to see. The LG PenTouch TV can also interact with Internet content when connected to a PC.
The LG PenTouch TV uses a protective scratch-resistant glass screen, while auto sharpness control and color materialization technology enhance viewing. Complementing the unit's stylish TruSlim Frame design, the LG PenTouch TV incorporates a stand that has been specially designed to provide more stability when owners or their children are using the PenTouch feature.
Price and Availability
LG is releasing three LG PenTouch models, two 60-inchers and one 50-inch plasma HDTV, all of which include Picture Wizard self-calibration, Intelligent Sensor automatic picture adjustment and Smart Energy Saving features.
- $2,199 → 60-inch 60PZ850 Full HD 1080p display with THX 3D and 2D Display Certification.
- $1,699 → 60-inch 60PV490 Full HD 1080p display
- $1,099 → 50-inch 50PV490 Full HD 1080p display
* Recommended PC system requirements to support the LG PenTouch TV include: Dual-core 2GHz or better CPU; 1GB or more of memory, 500MB or more HDD, graphics card with 1920×1080 (for PZ850 series) or 1024×768 (for PV490 series) connected via an RGB or HDMI output port. The Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) operating system is recommended due to its support of multi-touch applications. Other supported operating systems: 32 bit Windows XP and 23 and 64 bit Windows Vista. The Windows 7 Starter Edition is not supported.
See more about: LG TV, Plasma, HDTV