Audio Video News

Taking the term "multi-function" to new extremes, LG Electronics has given its TV Refrigerator a fresh-not-frozen digitally converged makeover. The new side-by-side unit, the LSC26990TT, includes a built-in, cable-ready, 15-inch standard-definition LCD TV on the right-side door. There are also inputs for an external DVD player (sorry, you'll have to provide your own) and a built-in FM tuner. LG says the combination will provide "hours of cooking and kitchen entertainment."

But who can live with just a TV built into their refrigerator? LG knows today's converged homeowner wants more, so the sleek, titanium-finish, 26-cubic foot model uses a multi-function LCD screen in the left-side door to provide "enhanced personalization features" that include weather forecasts, date/time display, a calendar with an alarm function, and an eight-category recipe bank with 100 pre-loaded mouth-watering suggestions. Your favorite personal photos can be uploaded into an internal photo album via a USB port located in the dispenser area.

With all these cool A/V convergence features, you probably don't care about the rest of the fridge, but LG says it includes their new SpacePlus Icemaker technology that makes ice directly on the door instead of on top of the freezer section. I know it's not as exciting as a built-in FM tuner, but having the icemaker on the door frees up (or is it "freeze" up?) valuable space within the freezer compartment. LG also includes a Grab n' Go door basket, wine rack, pizza nook, tilting door bins, as well as glass and sliding shelves.

I know you're excited, but you'll have to wait until the second quarter of 2006 before you can watch reruns from the Food Network while you load groceries in this cool converged-home appliance. Don't fret. You can use the time to save up the $3,499 (plus delivery) it'll it'll cost to be on the cutting edge of culinary entertainment.