IKEA plans to launch IKEA TV

STOCKHOLM - The Associated Press

An LED TV and sound system is displayed by IKEA for the press.

Already the one-stop shop for smart and compact home furnishing, IKEA is venturing into the world of technology, with the IKEA TV.

The new furniture range, named UPPLEVA, the Swedish word for experience, integrates an LED TV, a sound system with wireless bass speakers, an internet connection and CD, DVD and Blu-ray players,” all in one self-assembly piece.

Although the TV and the other electronics are made by Chinese manufacturer TCL, IKEA has built everything around them, hiding the masses of cables that can be a nuisance and make a living room look shabby.

To further simplify things, IKEA and TCL have combined all the controls into a single remote. The furniture surface is especially designed to allow the remote’s signals through, so the devices can be hidden from view.

The TV screens are available in four different sizes, from 24 inches (60 centimeters) to 46 inches (117 centimeters), and in a range of colors including gray, black and blue. Users are also able to plug in their iPods or other MP3 music players.

Like most IKEA furniture, the UPPLEVA is purchased in a flat-pack and is ready for assembly at home for those handy with screwdrivers and other tools.