Audiovox Enters Flat Panel TV Market With Six Models

Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Audiovox Electronics Corporation announced its entry into the flat panel TV market with six exciting new products ranging in screen sizes from 12 to 30 inches. Patrick M. Lavelle, President-CEO of Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC), made the announcement. ‘Our success in rear-seat entertainment for vehicles, portable DVD players and other niche video products, combined with our strong, long-term relationships with LCD panel manufacturers, has encouraged us to expand our LCD product line. Those manufacturing relationships put us in a competitive position in what I believe will be an explosive market.’

The new flat panel products join an established line of home video products that include DVD, Under-Counter TV's and Home Theater systems. These product categories will also see new model introductions at the 200 Consumer Electronics Show.

Lavelle emphasized that Audiovox's experience in TV dates back to the early 80's when the company developed its first products for the RV market. Last year, Audiovox's first portable DVD player quickly elevated it into the top three suppliers of portable DVD. "Consumers have shown no hesitancy in spending as much as $2,000 for an Audiovox mobile entertainment system with screens in the 6, 7 and 8-inch size category," Lavelle stated. We believe our consistent quality and reliability will allow us to extend the brand confidence to the flat panel TV market."

The 12 and 15-inch models are currently delivering now; the balance of the line is expected in March. The units range in price from $699.00 to $5,999.00. Lavelle expects them to be available at major retailers and mass merchandisers nationwide. "We are optimistic about the success of these new flat panel products. Our extensive product versatility in the mobile video and DVD categories has shown our dealers that we are serious players, committed to growing our market share by placing our flat panel programs in a number of big-name chains. We feel this approach can generate the levels of volume and exposure that will allow us to grow this business quickly," he said.

In the DVD player marketplace, where Audiovox is already an established player, the new products will include the D1530, a 5.8-inch wide screen (16:9) DVD player, featuring a 3-hour Lithium Ion battery, Dolby Digital, DTS, Q Surround Sound, wireless remote and cigarette lighter adapter. This system will play DVD, SVCD, VCD, CD, and MP3 (MSRP: $399.00). The D1830 is an 8-inch (16:9) wide screen unit with the same features as the D1530 (MSRP: $599.00).

There will be two new Audiovox Home Theater DVD Players: The DV1600, a 400-watt model, featuring a built-in PLL tuner, digital amplifier, five small satellite speakers, subwoofer, Dolby Digital II and remote control (MSRP: $449.00). The VD1400HT is a 200-watt DVD/VHS unit, featuring an AM/FM Stereo Synthesizer Tuner, 5.1 Channel Amplifier, Built-in Dolby Digital /Prologic Decoding and five small satellite speakers with subwoofer (MSRP: $499.00).

Audiovox is the undisputed leader in Under-The-Counter TVs, with one of the largest lines in the industry, and it just got bigger. The VE1040 is an ultra slim 10.4-inch drop-down TV, featuring a built-in DVD player, built-in LCD clock with alarm, built-in AM/FM radio, built-in hands-free telephone, 125-channel cable-ready tuner and remote control. Compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 (MSRP: $1,199.00).

The VE640 is an ultra-slim 6.4-inch LCD drop-down TV, featuring a built-in LCD clock with alarm, hands-free telephone, 125-channel, cable-ready tuner, and AM/FM stereo radio. Under counter or flush mount. Includes "credit card" size remote control with magnetic mount (MSRP: $499.00).

Audiovox's 2003 Flat Panel TV Line-Up:

• FP3000WS features a 30-inch flat panel LCD screen (16:9), 450 NITs for an impressive high-brightness picture with optimum video clarity. Other features include wide-view angle, built-in 125-cable-ready tuner and two built-in speakers. Wall mountable. Remote control (MSRP: $5,999.00).



• FP2000, features a 20-inch LCD, high-brightness screen and the same features as the FP1500 (see below), plus an upgraded speaker configuration for increased audio enjoyment (MSRP $1,899.00).



• FP1700WS features a 17-inch flat panel LCD screen (16:9), 400 NITs for a high-brightness picture, RGB for computer use, built-in 125 channel cable-ready tuner, and wide-view angle. Additional features include full rear-panel access for connections to home theater and auxiliary component use, full-function remote control that includes 6-mode video and audio access for custom-tuned viewing and listening and an upgraded speaker configuration for increased audio enjoyment. Wall mountable (MSRP $1,499.00).



• VE1510DV Compact Slim-Line DVD Home Entertainment System, featuring a 15-inch flat-panel TV with PIP, AM/FM stereo receiver, built-in 181-channel tuner, and four-speaker system. Plays DVD, VCD, SVCD, CD, CDR, CDRW, and MP3 (MSRP: $1,450.00).



• FP1500 features a 15-inch LCD screen (4:3), high-brightness 400 NIT screen and RGB for computer use. Other features include full rear-panel access for connections to home theater and auxiliary component use, and full-function remote control with 6-mode video and audio access for custom-tuned viewing and listening (MSRP $899.00).



• FP1210, features a 12.1 inch LCD screen, 125-channel cable-ready, built-in auto programming, built-in dual stereo speakers and OSD. Additional features include mode selection: AV1/TV, AV2/Aux, AV3/Game/DVD and cigarette lighter adapter (for mobile use). Compact, portable, ideal for home, car and boat (MSRP: $699.00).

For additional information, visit their web site at http://www.audiovox.com/ or call 1-800-290-6650.

Source: Audiovox Electronics Corporation

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