LG launches pen-friendly TV - Updated

LG Electronics has launched a plasma-screen TV called PenTouch that enables the viewer to ‘draw’ on the screen using a special pen.

Although the marketing information presents the PenTouch as a consumer device – it has a four-leg stand ‘to ensure the TV doesn’t tip over when owners or their children are using the PenTouch feature’ – it seems more suited to business purposes, particularly as a nifty tool to use in PowerPoint presentations and the like.

In PenTouch mode, the TV interacts with a PC, allowing the user to access his or her files, edit them and move them around. Two pens come with the TV, and they can be used in tandem to pinch-zoom, as with most mobile devices.

If the PC is connected to a printer, users can print via PenTouch as well.

Havis Kwon, president and CEO of LG’s home entertainment division, says touch displays have become the norm in phones and tablets but remain almost unheard of in TVs.

"The PenTouch TV brings all the excitement of touch displays, computers and the internet to the world of TV, with functions and programs that are great fun and educational.”

The PenTouch will retail in New Zealand at $2999 for the 50-inch model, and $3999 for the 60-inch version.

Update: LG's local branch has informed TechDay that the PenTouch will only ship with one pen in this market.