Philips on Thursday announced it will bring wireless Internet connections to some of its upcoming HDTVs and existing ones using its Wireless Media Connect technology. The company says users will have the same capabilities as they would on their PCs, with access to Skype, e-mail and instant messaging, along with online videos. Local files will be accessible from a connected PC.
The functionality will be available on the 7700 and 5700 series EcoTV ranges as well as the BDP7520 Blu-ray player this fall. The 7700 series feature 120Hz LED panels while the 5700s have 240Hz LED-backlit LCDs with an ultra-fast refresh rate of 1ms. Each will be available in 40-, 46- and 55-inch sizes.
The currently available 5705 and 7705 series HDTVs will also be backwards compatible with Wireless Media Connect thanks to a software upgrade. It’s not known what, if anything, this upgrade will add as a premium. The 5705s range from $1,100 to $1,800 while the 7705s cost between $1,400 and $2,300.
The new 7700 and 5700 TVs arrive in September, while the Blu-ray player is due in October. Its price has not been revealed.
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