GE has joined forces with Taiwan-based display technologies giant Tatung Co. to form a new HDTV joint venture. The new company is also partnering with GE's NBC Universal to develop a new delivery platform for the TVs.
"We are developing advanced, Internet capabilities for content delivery to televisions, without the need for a PC," said Marc McConnaughey, CEO of the new joint venture, General Displays & Technologies LLC (GDT). "The long-term strategy is to allow consumers to customize their viewing experience by downloading widgets and a variety of services directly to their HDTVs."
GDT will design, market and service GE-branded HDTVs to deliver "the best home high definition video, audio and Internet experience," the companies said.
The first premium products are promised in Spring 2009.
GDT will also join with NBC Universal—a company under the GE corporate umbrella—to develop an open platform capable of delivering Internet and other digital content directly through the television.
"This is an exciting opportunity for NBCU to partner with GE and help design a cutting-edge product that responds now to consumer desire for a seamless union of high quality digital content and Internet engagement, with an ease that still appeals to TV viewers," said Darren Feher, executive vice president and chief technology officer of NBCU.
GE is a 49 percent equity stakeholder in GDT, and GDT has entered into a licensing agreement to market GE-branded HDTVs globally.
Tatung brings global expertise in design, manufacturing and supply chain management, with facilities in Taiwan, North America, Europe and Southeast Asia.
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