At the 2006 International CES, ED Digital, a supplier of consumer electronics and home theater equipment, unveiled the world's first network-capable high-definition LCD televisions, the Digitrex HD Network LCD TV. Three flavors are available: 32, 40, and 46-inches. Take your pick.

So, what exactly does a "network-capable high-definition LCD television" do?

To quote the manufacturer, "The DIGITREX High Definition Network TVs with Microsoft PlaysforSure and Media Connect technologies marries the largest, and fastest-growing markets in the Consumer Electronics Industry - Personal Computers, Networking, Digital Imaging, and High Definition Television." In simple words, you can now watch multi-media content from any Windows XP based PC in your home in one place. Built into the TV is a mini-computer running Microsoft Windows Media software. For networking there's both wired and wireless (802.11 b/g) options. Using these components the LCD TV turns into a Network TV automatically searching for PCs on the network. Once you have selected a PC to act as a Server, the Network TV will show you all of the media (video, music, and pictures) on your PC that is available to watch or play on the Network TV. Graphical icons and on-screen drop-down menus make navigation simple.

The Digitrex TVs are full 1080i LCD Flat Panel TVs with a resolution of 1366x768, and Contrast Ratios in excess of 800:1. That should be enough for a visual treat. An extremely wide viewing angle allows even people sitting at more than 80 degrees off-axis to enjoy the action on the screen. It has all the input and output jacks that you can think of.

If you have the cash to splurge, the Digitrex is the TV for you.

Pricing and Availability:

The 32 and 40-inch Digitrex Network LCD TV models will be available by the end of Q1 at MSRPs of $1,999 and $3,499, respectively. A 46-inch unit will be available in Q2; MSRP yet to be determined.

Product website: DIGITREX High Definition Network LCD TVs