LG U+ Integrates Google TV with its IPTV Service

LG U+, a South Korean Internet TV operator, will soon become the first IPTV operator to offer an integrated Google (News - Alert) TV set-top box, supplementing its own TV subscription service with the Google TV platform.

The set-top box is expected to be manufactured by LG Electronics (News - Alert), unsurprisingly, and will bring popular Google services such as search and YouTube to LG U+ subscribers, without the need for a second device.

LG U+ selected the award-winning Marvell (News - Alert) ARMADA 1500 SoC platform to power the new set-top box. The ARMADA 1500 platform was honored by the American Business Awards, prevailing in two categories: "Best New Hardware Product or Service" and "Favorite Hardware People's Choice." The platform is both powerful and energy efficient, as well as ultra scalable and highly affordable, making it an excellent choice.

Specs-wise, the ARMADA 1500 SoC platform features an ARM (News - Alert) compatible dual-core CPU, designed to provide PC-level processing power to support demanding Web browsing, as well as video playback.

On the video processing front, the platform boasts Qdeo video processing, providing both HD and 3D video capabilities, as well as scaling, noise reduction, de-interlacing, low bit-rate Internet video enhancement and FRC.

"Marvell has an outstanding track record of successful collaboration with Google and other key partners in broadcast and cloud content delivery and powering this groundbreaking set-top-box for LG U+, Korean service provider, demonstrates our leadership in driving Google TV/Smart TV," said Weili Dai, cofounder of Marvell. "I believe the LG U+ set-top-box serves as a powerful digital command center in the home with the ability to deliver immersive entertainment and home automation experiences to connected devices ranging from mobile phones and tablets to information appliances for 'smart furnishings.'"

LG U+ also recently received a significant service upgrade as cloud gaming company Ubitus approved LG U+ set-top boxes for use with its C-games service.