Mosquitoes are arguably the only part of the ecosystem that would bring about more benefit if they were completely removed. Only 11 percent of the Indian population lives in Malaria-free zones and to help keep mosquitoes at bay, LG has introduced a line of TVs.
The new range of LG TVs is part of the company's "Mosquito Away" line. The TVs don't use any harmful chemicals that need to be refilled. In fact, users won't even know when the TV does its magic as it emits a sound well above the human ear's hearing range to drive away mosquitoes.
While TVs seem to be heading in the direction of 4K and more recently 4K with HDR technology, it's a rather interesting feature to add to a TV. However, the included feature is sure to make an impact on people, especially in emerging and lower-income countries.
In India's capital city New Delhi alone, over 10,500 cases of dengue were reported last year. According to the Centre for Disease Control, half the world's population is at risk of malaria. With over 168 million households in India having access to TV, the potential impact mosquito-repelling TVs could have is immense.
LG's "Mosquito Away" range of TVs come in sizes ranging from 32 inches and go all the way up to 43 inches, and here is when things get a little disappointing though.
For the "Mosquito Away" TVs to have any social impact, they need to be affordable to the lower rungs of society, who are at the greatest risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses. LG has priced its cheapest model from the series at Rs. 26,900 and the top-end model carries a price tag of Rs. 47,500.
