Look Who's Doing Yahoo TV Widgets

There has been a lot of noise (all good) and excitement about the Intel/Yahoo! TV widget platform. Depending on what numbers you look at (research firm DisplaySearch has most of them), what types of TV you look at (LCD vs Plasma) and if you look at unit sales or gross revenue, the "Top" TV manufacturers are:

  • Top 5 LCD: Samsung, Sony, LG Electronics, Sharp and Vizio
  • Top 4 Plasma: Panasonic, Vizio, Samsung, LG and Sanyo

That said, the following television manufacturers have announce plans to support the Intel/Yahoo! TV Widget platform:

  • Samsung:  "Internet@TV - Content Service" on select 2009 HDTV models via built-in Ethernet or optional Wi-Fi USB dongle.
  • LG: "NetCast Entertainment Access" on 47- and 42-inch LH50 LCD models and 60- and 50-inch PS80 plasma models via built-in Ethernet
  • Sony: "Bravia Internet Widgets" on XBR9 and Z-series Bravia LCDs with built-in Ethernet (adapter)
  • Vizio: "Connected HDTV" on VF551XVT LCD and other high-end LCDs with 802.11n Wi-Fi
  • Toshiba: "Widget Channel Framework" on its Regza range of TVs

Panasonic is doing TV widgets in Europe but not the Yahoo platform.  Based on the numbers and facts, it looks like your next TV will probably be widget-enabled, courtesy of Yahoo!