By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
As global television manufacturers are competing to take a bigger stake in the promising digital TV market, LG Electronics is activating its forays into China.
On Tuesday, the electronics giant said it has successfully introduced digital TVs into China with high hopes, cashing in on the approaching Beijing Olympics.
LG said all of the 42-, 47-, and 52-inch TVs do not need digital-to-analog converter boxes, meaning millions of TV viewers with bulky cathode-tube ray sets who heavily depend on over-the-air signals to receive programs could enjoy high-quality viewing.
``We will expand the number of cities receiving trial digital TV services to 37 this year capitalizing on coastal regions,’’ Woo Nam-kyun, chief of LG Electronics China, told reporters at the launching ceremony.
``The Summer Olympics will create a fresh growth momentum for the Chinese digital TV industry. We should not lose this opportunity,’’ he said.
China has been providing trial services of digital TVs since 2007 and now draws keen attention from high-end consumers.
According to industry estimates, the Chinese flat-screen market will account for 22 percent of global demand in 2008, up from 19 percent in 2007. The combined demand for plasma and crystal display sets is expected to reach over 25 million.
``We will give digital TV demos at the upcoming three-day Flat Panel Displays Show, which will start on March 11,’’ an LG official said.