Published: 19 March 2010
Category:
Press Releases
British LCD TV company, Cello Electronics, has upgraded its iViewer TV to include direct access to social media channels Facebook and Twitter – the first of many exciting developments planned for the TV this year.
The iViewer, which was the UK’s first TV that could stream web-based TV channels including BBC iPlayer and YouTube directly, will now also enable consumers to connect to their favourite social media networks from the comfort of their own lounge.
Using just the remote control, iViewer owners will be able to access both Facebook and Twitter to read messages, get updates and catch up on what their peers are up to. The service will be available from April and existing sets will automatically be updated to receive the additional applications.
Launched in December 2009, the iViewer was a UK first, enabling consumers to access internet-based media such as BBC iPlayer and YouTube directly through the TV – all without the need for a set top box, games console or computer.
Like any normal computer, the iViewer connects to the internet directly via an Ethernet cable (supplied) or Wi-Fi dongle (optional extra) – all that’s required is a broadband service.
As well as directly accessing BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, it can also access a person’s home computer directly and stream additional online directly including Disney Movies Preview, Movie Rush, Autocar Magazine, Sky Sports Boots and All, the CNN daily video podcast, Jamie’s Ministry of Food, Delicious TV Veg, Revision 3 Diggnation and the Larry King video podcast.
Available in 32” and 26” models, the iViewer TV also comprises integrated digital freeview channels, two HDMI sockets, an easy-to-use user interface menu, fast channel search and seven day electronic programme guide. The 32” version is full HD, (1080p) while the 26” version is HD Ready. A table stand and intuitively designed remote control which operates the iViewer as well as satellite boxes are also included with the TV.
The iViewer is currently available exclusively from Marks & Spencers, with the 26” model costing £399 and the full HD 32” version being £499.
The software powering the product – Onyx – was developed by British company Oregan Networks and is a web access and media player application for internet-connected TVs and Set Top Boxes. Onyx delivers to consumers’ simplified access to multiple sources of trusted Internet and personal content on TVs, through a single resident TV application that requires minimal set-up. Onyx widget applications can be interactively displayed on top of the currently viewed video.
Cello Electronics is a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge, affordable LCD TVs which has been operating since 2001 and ranked number 42 in this year’s Sunday Times Tech Track 100, which lists the fastest growing technology companies in the UK. Based in the north of England and boasting a turnover of £40m, Cello invests heavily in R&D meaning it is able to bring new technology to the market place quickly and cost effectively. It also operates the best after-sales services in the industry, through associate company Contrast Technology.
As well as selling its own brand products via retailers including the co-op, Netto, Sainsbury’s, JD Williams, Express Gifts, Bennetts Retail, Tesco (Southern Ireland), Staples and Office Depot, Cello also owns an additional brand Neon, which is sold exclusively through Morrisons Supermarkets. In addition, the company also manufactures own brand products for the likes of Marks & Spencer, Littlewoods, Grattan, Next and German brand SEG.
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