Digital leader teams up with Microsoft to raise industry standards

Dubai, January 9, 2005: Global and regional digital leader LG Electronics has launched the world's first DVD recorder with digital video recorder (DVR) functionality using new software technology from Microsoft Corporation. 

The LG LRM-519 model raises the bar in the exploding DVD recorder market and is the world's first combination DVD recorder. The 160-gigabyte hard-disc-drive (HDD) convergence product with an electronic programme guide (EPG) and PC connectivity uses technology from Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates unveiled the product during his keynote address on the eve of the International Consumer Show 2005 in Las Vegas, USA. 

"As digital convergence becomes more commonplace, the powerful combination of Microsoft and LG technology will redefine recordable media for home entertainment," said K H Kim, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Operations. "With support for wired or wireless in-home networking and innovative PC connectivity, the LG LRM-519 is a true digital convergence product."

The result of a strategic relationship between Microsoft and LG Electronics, a top-tier technology leader in DTV, telecommunications and digital convergence products, this product reflects LG's commitment to achieving global consumer electronics leadership. The LRM-519 offers an array of options for digital entertainment on the DVR DVD recorder by enabling powerful multimedia experiences and seamless connectivity with Windows XP-based PCs and PCs running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.  

"Consumers want flexibility and choice in digital entertainment, and our partnership with LG is a successful example of just that," said Rick Thompson, corporate vice president of the Windows Client Extended Platforms Division at Microsoft Corporation. "With this new DVD recorder, consumers will benefit from the combination of LG's expertise and Microsoft's technology and use innovative DVD and DVR solutions with access to digital photos, music and more on Windows XP-based PC and PCs running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005."  

This DVR DVD recorder also enables playback of music, pictures, and video with computers running Windows XP and Windows XP Media Center Edition over a home network.  The LG LRM-519 can play and display files including MPEG, WMA and WMV, MP3 and JPEG images on TV. Supported network connections include Ethernet or Wi-fi (802.11a/g).  This wireless connection is 4-5 times faster than that of 802.11b, enabling seamless data reception.

The LG LRM-519 includes an integrated EPG service provided by Microsoft. This programming guide combines channel guides from multiple sources such as cable, satellite, and terrestrial TV.  This will allow consumers record television programmes easily.  The LG LRM-519 also comes with a built-in Ethernet adapter, allowing high-speed reception of the EPG guide data.

 At 160GB, the internal HDD offers up to 160 hours of conventional analog TV programming storage. The DVR allows programme burning from HDD to DVD (DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD+R Double Layer), further strengthening the flexibility of the device for users to record programmes.  Also with a 90 minute buffer time for Live TV, it offers three times more flexibility in viewing compared to other media. 

The LG LRM-519 offers true networking versatility as users can watch programmed TV recorded from the DVR on their Windows XP-based PC as well as transfer on to Portable Media Center devices.

The product will also support the PlaysForSure logo programme, which is designed to help consumers with Windows XP-based PCs find devices and online music or video stores that work together. 

The CPU of the LRM-519 is like that of a personal computer with more powerful processing speeds than other DVR products.  It also boasts a 3D comb filter that provides far superior video quality than other DVRs.  Another outstanding feature is the USB device input support such as portable HDD, USB memory and card readers which expands the versatility of the product. The significance of this USB input support is that the option of the connecting a portable hard drive offers limitless storage space for users multimedia files. 

-Ends- 

About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (Korea Stock Exchange: 066570.KR) was established in 1958 as the pioneer in the Korean consumer electronics market. The company is a major global force in electronics and information and communications products with more than 64,000 employees working in 76 overseas subsidiaries and marketing units around the world.  With annual total revenues of more than US $16.9 billion (non-consolidated), LG Electronics conducts its business in three main areas: Digital Display & Media, Digital Appliances, and Telecommunications Equipment & Handsets.

The LG Digital Media Company provides digitally integrated products such as Audio Video systems, optical storage, PC and car infotainment focusing on next-generation businesses.

LG Electronics' goal is to enable the intelligent networking of digital products that will make consumers' lives better than ever. For more information, please visit www.lge.com

For more information, contact:
Hamad M. Malik                                                      Shilpa Mathai/Rana Bechara
Senior Regional Manager                                          Polaris Public Relations             
Marketing & Corporate Communications                       Dubai, UAE
LGE Middle East & Africa Operations                           Tel: +9714-3348522
Tel: +9714-3340066                                                Fax: +9714-3341326
Fax: +9714-3370515                                               Email: s.mathai@polaris-me.com
Email: hamad@lge.com                                             Email: r.bechara@polaris-me.com

© Press Release 2005