Manufacturers have long recognized the value of some form of integration between the internet and TV. Among a number of different approaches to achieving this integration is 'Widget' technology, which Samsung plans to introduce as an integral part of their high end LCD panels this year.
Intel and Yahoo are the driving force behind the new technology, confirming their intention to co-develop the Yahoo Widget Channel in August 2008. The technology enables TVs to connect to the Internet through "widgets," bits of software that provided elements of web based content. Samsung and Yahoo! are hoping that the widget concept will attract the interest of third-party developers, opening up the HDTVs for more interactive content.
Samsung have already dipped a toe into the world of web TV integration with the introduction of InfoLive. InfoLive streams up-to-date information (news, weather and stock information) through RSS feeds, working in partnership with Yahoo!. The InfoLive service is operated direct from the TV's remote control and has been designed so as not to 'swamp' the screen with content. A tickertape of news items, share prices or weather forecasts runs in tandem with the current TV programme.
The Widget Channel develops the concept of InfoLive allowing consumers to watch a rich set of “TV Widgets,” or small Internet applications designed to run alongside the regular TV schedule. Users will be able to carry out tasks such as e-mailing friends, trading shares or checking the weather, all through a specially formatted remote, while watching programmes.
Samsung's approach to accessing the web through the TV is one of many approaches currently being explored. Panasonic's desire to integrate the web with their TV's has seen the introduction of 'Viera Cast' internet-enabled flat panel TV's in Japan and the US. They enable consumers using a dedicated cast interface to easily browse and watch free videos from YouTube and view photos from Picasa Web Albums
Generic technologies such as IPTV which is similar to 'Internet TV' are being explored. Both use IP (Internet Protocol) to deliver their services, but Internet TV makes use of the global internet to deliver services while IPTV is delivered over a private managed network. An IPTV service such as BT Vision is contained within a closed system which allows greater control over content and quality.
Another protocol, the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), offers another route to internet content on the TV. DLNA members share a vision of wired and wireless interoperable networks where digital content such as photos, music, and videos can be shared by compliant products from any manufacturer. DLNA offers the promise of a more generic method of bringing the internet to our TV screens.
Under the 'MediaLink' monica, Samsung's 'widget' enabled TV's are due in the UK this March. If you can't wait for all of this integration to materialize, there is a simple solution. You could by a cheap PC to sit alongside your TV and make the connection using the video card's DVI, S-video or composite input or via a VGA. A wireless keyboard with built-in mouse stick or trackerball and you are ready to go.
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