Business briefs | ‘Smart’ TVs make early splash at electronics show

‘Smart’ TVs on display at electronics show

LAS VEGAS Talking to the TV is usually a sign of extreme agitation, mental instability or loneliness. TV manufacturers are set to make it a more rational behavior this year, with a range of sets that respond to speech.

LG Electronics on Monday said it will sell a remote with its high-end flat-panel TVs that contains a microphone. You'll be able to speak into the microphone to enter text on the TV for Twitter updates and Web searches. You still won't be able to change the channel or control the volume by yelling at the TV.

Samsung Electronics also said it would have TVs that responded to voice commands. In addition, it's launching its first TV with a built-in camera. As you watch the ES8000 set, it will watch you back, looking for hand gestures that prompt it to move the onscreen cursor or launch apps.

The two Korean rivals were the first to show new models at a preview day ahead of the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which opens Tuesday. The show will feature many variations of so-called “smart” or Web-connected TVs.

Amazon, Indiana reach sales tax deal

INDIANAPOLIS Amazon.com will begin collecting Indiana's 7 percent sales tax from customers in 2014.

Gov. Mitch Daniels and Amazon announced an agreement Monday that could lead to Indiana collecting at least $20 million more in annual sales tax revenues.

The agreement follows a lawsuit by Indianapolis-based mall owner Simon Property Group against the state. Traditional retailers have lobbied to end what they call an unfair price advantage for all online retailers.

The deal with Seattle-based Amazon doesn't include any other companies.

Netflix expands overseas

SAN FRANCISCO Netflix's Internet video service made its debut in the United Kingdom and Ireland Monday as part of a previously announced expansion that is expected to saddle the company with its first annual loss in a decade.

The subscription service will stream TV shows and movies on devices with high-speed Internet connections.

Netflix Inc. is charging 5.99 pounds per month in the U.K. and 6.99 euros per month in Ireland. That translates into about $9 per month. Netflix charges $8 per month for Internet video in the U.S.

IRS reviving program for offshore tax cheats

WASHINGTON The Internal Revenue Service is reviving a program that lets Americans hiding their money abroad pay back taxes and penalties while avoiding criminal prosecution, an effort that in recent years has netted the government billions of dollars.

IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, who announced the program's renewal Monday, said previous efforts in 2009 and 2011 resulted in the collection so far of $4.4 billion from 33,000 people, an amount he said “we never thought we'd reach.” He said the government could reap several times that amount from the newest initiative plus people deciding against stashing their assets overseas in the first place.

“If we catch people before they come in voluntarily, it's going to be a much worse outcome for the taxpayer,” Shulman told reporters.

From wire reports