LG to launch broadband HDTVs

South Korea-based LG Electronics is planning to launch broadband-enabled HDTVs in a partnership with Netflix, the online film rental company.

The LCD and Plasma TVs will come pre-loaded with streaming software, allowing the sets to instantly stream movies and television shows from Netflix’s library, on a monthly subscription basis.

The technology won’t allow users to surf the net from their TV, but it will eliminate the need for a set-top box to stream content from Netflix.

The Internet sets will initially be available to customers in the USA, but are likely to come to Europe at a later date.

Samsung is also boosting the internet functions of its latest TVs through a partnership deal with Yahoo.

The HDTVs will come with a Yahoo Widget Engine that will allow users to visit sites such as YouTube, eBay and Flickr.