In the quest for packing even more features in to each new model, British TV manufacturer Cello Electronics has launched the first ever TV that can stream BBC iPlayer without the need for additional equipment.

Streaming content from the web is nothing new, but normally requires additional equipment such as a console or set-top box. In this case, the Cello iViewer connects to the internet via your household modem using either an ethernet cable or wireless USB dongle, streaming content directly from the relevant online locations. It also supports DNLA, which allows you to watch movies or programs saved on your computer or home server. Both the 26 inch and full HD 32 inch models in this range sport Freeview tuners and two HDMI sockets, along with the standard selection of s-video and composite video inputs.

“On demand” television has very much become a part of all of our lives over the last couple of years, and the ability to watch iPlayer et al from the comfort of your sofa with the same ease as you can sat at your computer desk is a very welcome development. Considering that Cello have beaten the bigger manufacturers to the punch in rolling out this new functionality, both boxes are priced very reasonably and as more stock appears we would expect to see them in the cheap lcd tv category before too long. Maybe one to watch for in the January sales…?