General Displays & Technologies LLC
Could this involve Wavexpress?
September 23, 2008
GE Launches Global HDTV Joint Venture
Joint venture will deliver GE-branded HDTVs and complementary products with interactive Internet functionality
Unique partnership with NBC Universal will enable customized viewing of digital content
FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE today announced the formation of General Displays & Technologies LLC (GDT), a new joint venture with Tatung Company, a global leader in display technologies. GDT will design, market and service GE-branded HDTVs to deliver the best home high definition video, audio and Internet experience. The first series of premium product offerings will be available to consumers in Spring 2009.
“We are developing advanced, Internet capabilities for content delivery to televisions, without the need for a PC. This includes Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) through cable, satellite and advanced fiber optic television connectivity,” said Marc McConnaughey, CEO, 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.”
In addition to offering innovative HDTVs, GDT will partner with NBC Universal (NBCU), a leading media and entertainment company, 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,” noted Darren Feher, EVP & CTO, NBC Universal.
Ultimately this product will let consumers view digital HD content from popular websites directly on their television, coupled with clean in-synch integration with the preferences and personalization that makes the web so appealing.
Peter Weedfald, president North America, GDT said, “Sales of LCD TVs have grown 30 percent year over year as flat screen TV prices have fallen, opening up the market to new consumers. GDT is well poised to become a leader in today’s rapidly developing digital marketplace and provide the retail channel with pioneering products to meet this growing demand. In addition, the entire line of GE-branded HDTVs will be highly energy efficient, ensuring a cost effective and environmentally sound product for the home.”
GE is a 49 percent equity stakeholder in GDT, and as part of the agreement, GDT has entered into a new licensing agreement to market GE-branded HDTVs globally. Under the joint venture, GDT will benefit from GE’s world-class brand, business processes, quality assurance and financial strength. Additionally, as one of Taiwan’s most respected companies, Tatung brings global expertise in design, manufacturing and supply chain management, with facilities in Greater China, North America, Europe and South East Asia. "Tatung is thrilled for the opportunity to both invest and work directly with General Displays & Technologies, GE and NBCU to develop and deliver new interactive HDTVs and complementary products," said Mrs. W.Y. Lin , executive vice president, Tatung Company.
While so many other companies are jumping out of the business, GE has decided to jump back into the highly-competitive flat-panel TV market via a partnership with Tatung Co. GE has announced a joint partnership with Tatung to make HDTVs - but these will support IPTV and interactive content from NBC right out of the box. Content streaming services will initially include standard- and high-definition offerings from NBC Universal to set-top boxes, with the IPTV capability to be integrated into the HDTVs after initial products have been launched. GTD also plans to integrate technologies such as Tru 2 Way interactive cable for supporting programming guides, on-demand content, and other features, as well as support for BD LIve interactive content. The key to the success of GTD's plans no doubt rests on the openness of its IPTV platform. Content streaming services will include standard- and high-definition offerings from NBC Universal, initially delivered to set-top boxes, with HDTV models capable of receiving the streams directly from the Internet expected to emerge at a later date.
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